Cutting It

Another article in the New York Times attacking teachers. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/02/education/02charters.html?pagewanted=1&hp

The article guises itself as a critique of charter schools, just as the Obama Administration throws additional clout and carrots in their direction. But the not too subtle subtext is that a militaristic approach to teaching is the only way get students to achieve (and "achieve" means score well on tests, without question, as always).

The reporter, Trip Gabriel, profiles two classrooms, one a "success" and one at best "mediocre." The high achieving teacher uses a timer and sticks to a strict schedule, drills them constantly, tests daily, charts scores publicly, competes with other classes, rewards students for behavior, scores with points and penalizes with demerits, demands choral response, and, of course, gets results. Nearly 100% pass the state tests. Bravo. The mediocre class is relaxed, only 14 students, some are disengaged, some practice independently on a computer. The article chastises the teacher for not posting a minute by minute schedule for the period on the board. A normal, mediocre classroom. Their test scores, of course, are embarrassing. Both charter schools are fully enrolled with lengthy wait lists. The families love them. The point? Competition does not drive excellence because families are willing to settle for less when it comes to education.

Throughout this whole debate I am shocked that the parental voice is completely disregarded. Why would parents know what is best for their children? Why would parents understand what makes a strong school community and a good environment for their children? The experts are not the parents, not the teachers, not even the administrators designing and running schools who know they are doing the best they can do with the resources at hand. The definition of success in this system is being determined by academics, policy wonks, politicians and the media. And while test scores are on the rise, it will take us another decade to see if the system will bare fruit.

I agree that the education system needs to be reformed. But if the end is result is a network of institutions where teachers are drill sergeants, I have no interest in participating. I don't think I could cut it... And if I could, I wouldn't want to.