We need "students" in schools, not kids. Many people talk about education reform, however few if any address student accountability and responsibility. Education is not a priority for 50 % of our youth population. Paying attention, completing assignments, and behaving are not seen as necessities for doing well in school. But just as important, shool administrators refuse to address this problem. They blame the teachers instead.
crabbyof FL8:23AM August 15, 2009
If a teacher is to be paid based upon the performance of his/her students, there is very little incentive for a teacher to choose to teach disadvantaged students. Why would a teacher choose to work twice as hard and earn less money than another teacher who teaches in a more advantaged community? Children from poverty come to school less prepared for school. Children from poverty (as a whole) receive less parental support than more advanted children. Children from poverty come to school from less-well-educated homes.
Currently, I teach in a Title Ones School. I love my job and I feel like I am able to make a real difference. I wonder, though, if I would love it as much if I were being paid less because my students' limitations were blamed on me.
Susanof MI5:15PM August 01, 2009
What really needs reforming is home schooling which in most states requires very little oversight.
This leaves some children poorly educated, some are abused as household slaves and it is an answer to prayers for some pedophiles, not to mention children who may be brainwashed by cults.
I think home schooling is great in some cases, but it does widen the doorway for abuse.
Joan Daltonof AL9:16PM July 31, 2009
performance based education sounds very logical and good but really seems to be an idealogy.
Who sets the bar for the performance?How high is high?
Its like asking how long is a bit of string? and who has the right to set the length?
There are so many factors to consider such as the personal and actual academic capabilities of a student.
The home invironment,parental controls,socio oppertunities etc.
Moral,ethical and religious backdrop.
Cultural background and motivations or lack of same.
peer pressure and status qou of the students personal space.
then we have the various personalities of the instructors and teachers into which the student is subjected to.
the list is endless just think about it,there is no quick fix here by just government legislation and funding insentives.
Also even thought we are now a gobal village let us never assume that what works in one location or country of our world will work everywhere."one size fits all" is a myth.
Lets encourage the God given uniqueness of each person rather than processed sausage approach to education and learning.
Big brother is not the answer its part of the problem.
allan Lambert7:16PM July 31, 2009
Reform from the top rarely works, yet makes those at the top feel good about themselves without caring about the end results or the means and sacrifice required to make such a change. Until students and parents care about education, until society demands that students produce and stop accepting excuses for failing students, until the federal and state governments stop looking at teachers as incompetent human beings, nothing will change the state of education in America. Nothing.
Stevenof CO2:43PM July 31, 2009
I’m concerned about the “Race to the Top” program’s requirement that states evaluate teachers based on student achievement. Correlating teacher quality with student achievement seems logical. However, a student’s academic success depends on a variety of factors. Uncooperative parents, unmotivated students, and unsupportive administrators can adversely affect student performance, despite the teacher’s best efforts. In addition, a student’s home life can also play a role in the student’s academic success or failure. I question whether a fair and practical system for evaluating and rewarding teachers based on performance can be developed.
Natalie Schwartz
Author, “The Teacher Chronicles: Confronting the Demands of Students, Parents, Administrators and Society”
Natalie Schwartzof NY11:13AM July 31, 2009
The affirmative action TelePrompTer president lecturing us about education. Yawn.
Report cards may come out only twice a year, but education news happens every day. Here is where U.S. News writers grade the latest developments, from school districts banning the game of tag to congressional debates that affect college affordability. Check regularly for the most recent updates.
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rockreard of AR 11:53AM September 03, 2009
crabby of FL 8:23AM August 15, 2009
Susan of MI 5:15PM August 01, 2009
Joan Dalton of AL 9:16PM July 31, 2009
allan Lambert 7:16PM July 31, 2009
Steven of CO 2:43PM July 31, 2009
Natalie Schwartz of NY 11:13AM July 31, 2009
Dave of OH 2:28AM July 31, 2009