Elementary Penguin Education

[Greg]

...went to a mtg yesterday.  You wouldn't believe what is coming down the line as far as teacher evaluations go.  15-page document measuring everything.  All kinds of hoops to jump through.  Test scores, test scores, more testing.

They don't measure inspiration, love, counseling, hope, developing inquisitiveness. 

Congress isn't measured for overspending.  Senators aren't held accountable to the degree we are for bungling on decisions, etc.
How about measuring bankers and hedge fund managers, etc, etc to the same degree?

I know it makes sense to just test children and fire teachers whose kids score low.  I could actually live with that if the test showed any resemblance to what is pertinent.  If you were to work in a school for one year you'd see why reality doesn't match the approach to creating 700 tests during the year.  Please believe me that just testing kids won't change or improve education.

We had amazing test scores last year.  We all work hard all year.  This year the scores went plummeting downward; they changed the test.  We didn't do anything differently.

Last:  What would I criticize about education?  Make it easier for admin to fire teachers who don't care, can't get info across to kids, or are mean to kids.  Keep salaries where they are or cut 5%.  I do think that, for small town teachers, we make a very fair salary.  I make more than my neighbor who is a university administrator.  Of course what function does a univ admin really have anyway! ha.

If you disagree with any of this please don't hesitate.  I am biased on this.  I'd like to know any thoughts even if they are in direct contrast to everything I said.

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Last:  What would I criticize about education?  Make it easier for admin to fire teachers who don't care, can't get info across to kids, or are mean to kids.  Keep salaries where they are or cut 5%.  I do think that, for small town teachers, we make a very fair salary.  I make more than my neighbor who is a university administrator.  Of course what function does a univ admin really have anyway! ha.

Personally, I don't think they pay teachers enough...and that goes for nurses and firefighters and police. But especially teachers. Of course, I mean the good ones...let's face it...they spend more time with kids than most parents today, considering how everyone has to work 7 days a week to get by. Canadian teachers start at about 30 grand a year. Over time, depending on how many extra course they take and years of service..they make 75-80 grand. It doesn't matter if it's small town or big city...teacher is a teacher. I think the good ones are more than worth it.