Strange interview with Michelle Rhee in the NYT. Odd questions.

[reteachinwi]

20. Parents are crucial

Teachers have been discredited by reformers and their governor stooges. I'm going to rant but will try to be brief. We gave standardized tests for the last 17 years I taught. The 10th grade test was given in the first two weeks of November, after the students had been in 10th grade for one quarter. When we would do test analysis the following spring I would point out that the students were taught the material on various questions they did poorly on in December, or February, or March. My recommendations for improvement was to give the test in April, after the curriculum had been taught(!). I was summarily dismissed, the state needed time to correct the tests (I, apparently, didn't need time to present the curriculum.). It was frustrating, dishonest even, and I felt that the real purpose of the tests was to prove the failure of public education. Parents can do a great deal to save their schools. Teachers are under a great deal of fire and they are not listened to or respected. It shouldn't be necessary but this is where we are.