The over-emphasis on testing, testing, testing, will destroy an education system already so far behind that of other developed nations who realize the destructive nature of solely judging students on the results of standardized tests rather than providing broad curriculum experiences.
I hope enough people will get to see this blog, express their views, and perhaps we can use the same medium (the Internet) that helped elect Barack Obama to persuade him NOT to appoint Joel Klein as Education Secretary.
I totally agree!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat has happened in NYC with our schools definitely cannot happen nationally.
Klein has shown over and over again that he has ZERO understanding of education, and what is necessary to enable students to truly succeed in today's world.
I teach in this city and have done for many years, and I am actually quite scared of the possibility of Klein taking his unethical policies to Washington so he can destroy our country.
NO TO KLEIN AS EDUCATION SECRETARY!!!!
Whatever
ReplyDeleteIs it really that likely Klein will be appointed?
ReplyDeleteI hope to god not. That would be an absolute nightmare given what's happened in NYC over the past 6 years. Klein is so out of touch it's unreal and although the thought of him staying in NYC is bad enough, I can't imagine what it would be like if he went to Washington.
How do we get the Obama team to listen then?
DEFINITELY, no to Klein for Education Secretary.
Yeah, I don't think it's actually going to happen. The only things that really do worry me are
ReplyDelete1. That Klein worked in Washington and so the Obama team might see that as a positive
2. He has "run" the largest ed system in the US
But, does he really have the vision and leadership skills to operate the whole US education department? I SERIOUSLY doubt it.
Never the less, I agree, NO TO KLEIN FOR EDUCATION SECRETARY
Not really sure why so many people are against this when I speak to them.
ReplyDeleteLet's consider what would be so bad about this happening. Test scores would go up, teachers and principals would be held accountable, parents would be more informed, and costs would be cut.
They are all good things in my book.
Good things? Are you serious?
ReplyDeleteSo, what about our standing as one of the worst countries in the developed world for education? What about our ability to compete globally now and the near future? What about our drop-out rates? What about our low graduation rates? What about our under-funding?
My god, you have no idea. I am guessing you have never worked in a NYC public school.
NO TO KLEIN FOR EDUCATION SECRETARY!!!!!!!
For sure, and then add on the fact NYC has one of the worst set of statistics for teacher retention in recent years. All those TFA and Fellows who are just filling in for a year or two before they go and do their "real jobs". What message does it send to our students to have people come and go every year or two and who really don't believe teaching is a lifelong commitment?
ReplyDeleteOh, and reducing costs might be a good thing, but how about starting with the crazy salaries of some of these people down at central?
No to Klein for Education Secretary!
I totally agree about the TFA and Fellows. We give these so called "teachers" an instant out of the system after 2 years, and pay for their damn masters, so then they can go off and do something else because they never intended to EVER make teaching a true commitment in their lives.
ReplyDeleteSo, what we end up with is a constant turnover of 1 to 2 year "teachers" who abandon the very kids that need them most because they are placed in some of the most underserved schools in the city. But, why are they underserved? Because they continue the cycle of inexperienced, unmotivated, clueless "teachers" through the TFA and Fellows program.
When the most needy, underserved schools receive a mix strong (and knowledgeable) leaders, experienced (veteran) teachers, new and energetic (but properly trained and schooled) teachers, all of whom make a commitment to the school for more than two years, then perhaps we will make some headway.
Klein has done little (if anything) to promote traditional teacher training programs or to build relationships with the universities who have train future teachers in a manner that is appropriate and meaningful.
What we have instead is a system of condoning non-educators running our schools, classrooms, and education system.
NO to Klein for Education Secretary