Amelia, I'm not blaming the "bad" teachers, I'm blaming ALL of them. ESPECIALLY the "good" teachers are to blame because they especially should have known better than to allow all of the bullshit coming from on high to be made policy.
And, today, teachers are afraid of losing their "low wage jobs" if they stand up to the evil of administrations. And, the "teacher's " unions WILL forsake any teacher who tries to fight the administration. The unions and administratiors and lawmakers are in cahoots to "get more money". Teachers rarely see any increase despite the MASSIVE increases in education spending. NOT EVEN, to mention the "Capital" budgets for "infrastructure". But, many "continuing education" junkets are funded, that essentialy teach the teachers what the article speaks of.
Sorry, but teachers must share in the "blame" in the EVIL that is education in the present day United States of America. It has only become so over the last few years. WHY???????
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".....the teachers aren't solely to blame, and they can't fix the system alone."
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No, teachers aren't "solely" to blame. But, teachers are the ONLY force capable of fixing the system "alone". And, they already get enough money to do so. Peace and love, George.
You obviously didn't read a single word I posted above, or if you did, you totally ignored it.
How would you suggest teachers "fix the system", absent the cooperation of parents, students, administrators, judges, and politicians?
You are either living in a dream world, or looking for a scapegoat.
I don't know of a single occupation (other than perhaps self-employment) where the employees have total control of the system. Do you?
You are wrong. Parents are the only force capable of fixing the system "alone". A teacher speaks out and gets fired, the rest will shut up. Surprise, surprise! I can't make my house payment if I get fired.
Now if we could get parents and teachers to work together...I think wonderful things could happen. But the problem is still going to be those parents who expect not to lift a finger to help their own child succeed. Not only do they do nothing to help, but they undermine achievement by allowing too many absences, not getting their kids to bed at a reasonable hour, undercuting the teacher's authority, etc.
The teacher shouldn't be blamed for that child's failure. If my paycheck will depend upon ALL of my children doing well, I'm going to teach in the richest, most lily-white school I can. There, I have the best chance of actually succeeding.
Once again, the problem isn't solved, is it?