Reply #99: From One Teacher To Another:

[RBInMaine]

I agree with much of what you say. Yes, STOP scapegoating teachers. Most people have no idea of the complexity and demands of modern teaching. Here are some of my main ideas for improving public education: 1) One thing that MUST be done is to END the mandates. There are enough: curriculum mandates, special ed mandates, certification/re-certification mandates...the plate is full. Indeed, it is overloaded. Any system can only accommodate so many mandates. Enough. In fact, streamline many of those we already have. 2) Next, find ways to put teaching back into "teaching." We spend way too much time doing things that are not focused on INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES, i.e. again, all the meetings, paperwork, answering emails,... 3) Next, place content standards back into reality. Make no mistake, we should have standards, but we are now asking kids to do things in 7th grade that really belong in high school. And with 6.5 hours a day for 180 days (not including time lost to standarized testing, assemblies, fire drills, you name it...), time does not allow covering it all to mastery levels. It is simply too much. 4) In K-8, focus very heavily on mastering math and literacy skills. There are key science and social studies content items and skills as well which are important, but math and literacy need to be the focus first and last. 5) Let's not be afraid of the word "tracking" in education. We can all agree that there is wide "variation" in learning styles and abilities. Every ounce of research tells us this. Yet we have mandates that expect all students to master the same content in the same timeframes (???????). Teachers should not be required to try to teach to so many levels in one classroom. In middle school, there is NOTHING wrong with having different COURSES for kids who, for example, in math, need a course more tailored to their needs if they are struggling in that subject area. Also, there should be higher level classes available to advanced level learners (as we have in my school system). If you don't like to say "tracking," then say "differentiated courses". 6) In high school, allow students to choose a college, business, or vocational track in 10th grade. Sure, they still have an integrated academic program no matter what track, but if they go the business or vocational route, adjust the academic requirements and allow them to focus at least half of their day to business or vocational training. Work co-op programs are also great at this level. I have friends who would never have stayed in high school if not for the business and vocational tracks back in the 80's. These are AWESOME programs. (There are vocational programs out there today, but many schools lack them, and state standards are suffocating them.) 7) Have no-nonsense, school-wide disciplinary systems. Yes, Teachers are there to teach, kids are there to learn, and there is no place for bad behavior. (Yes, also have positive reinforcements and good extra-curricular programs too so that there is a positive atmosphere and things to say "yes" to as well.) If you set high expectations and follow through on them clearly and consistently, it will reduce behavior problems dramatically. 8) Finally, have a system that places A LOT of responsibility on PARENTS and LEARNERS themselves. We can't keep blaming teachers and schools for all of society's messes. Offer classes for parents to show them how to help their kids be better learners, and have processes and procedures at school that send a message of parental and personal responsibility. Here's one thought: "TURN OFF THE TEXT-MESSAGER, TURN OFF FACEBOOK, TURN OFF THE VIDEO GAMES, TURN OFF THE TV, and DO YOUR HOMEWORK FIRST !" :-)