http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/post/school-reformers-hypocritical-blame-game/2011/04/07/AFDRZFyC_blog.html
But here’s the hypocritical part of this blame game: While reformers like to blame outside forces for their own problems, they still want to hold teachers responsible for outside forces that contribute to a student’s lousy performance on a standardized test.
Today’s school reform is all about using standardized tests to grade schools, students and teachers. It started with former president George Bush’s No Child Left Behind, and has continued with President Obama’s Race to the Top. States are changing laws to make sure that a good part of a teacher’s evaluation and pay is linked directly to how well their students do on the tests, even if the kids come in hungry, or sick, or exhausted, or mentally ill.
What are the chances that reformers might see the hypocrisy in their positions?
As my kids like to say when I ask about the chances that they will clean their rooms: Slim and none.
We need to get used to the "New Normal" and we need to change the way we do business.
A quote from a superintendent.
I feel like I'm tottering on the precipice of a volcano. Oh, and here comes a guy with a bone through his lip. Is he going to push me over or save me?
Money talks. The other stuff walks. Unless it's supported by scientifically based research paid for by...money. Anyone else connecting the dots here?
