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Tuesday, May 30, 2006
It’s All About the Teacher
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In this editorial, Maureen Downey writes that for all the this-works-no-that-works in education, it all comes down to the teacher.
She writes:
“Researchers agree that the most reliable predictor of teacher success is past success. So what parents ought to look for is a teacher who has demonstrated gains in student scores from one year to the next. That track record is more telling than a teacher’s academic credentials or experience. Yet, parents never see that crucial piece of the puzzle.
‘We should, as parents, have that full data,’ says Henry. ‘We have the capacity here in Georgia to make that data available. Basically, it is a flip of a switch. That would empower parents to really be active.’
Apparently, that’s just what schools fear, a flood of active parents armed with data showing that Ms. X raises test scores year after year and Mr. Y does not. Because that would force schools to do something about Mr. Y— either offer him professional development or suggest a career change.
Even without test scores, the informed parents in a school community sleuth out the best teachers. At a recent Girl Scout event with his own daughter, Henry says parents were deep in discussion over the one or two teachers they hoped their kids would be lucky enough to dodge next year. The parents will have to trust luck; the school has already sent them a letter saying they should not try to influence teacher assignments by making specific requests.
No reform will revitalize public education until schools stop protecting ineffective teachers and start rewarding effective ones. Parents have the right and the responsibility to try to get their kids in the classes of the teachers with proven skills.”
Agree? Disagree?
