Who’s Bashing Teachers and Public Schools and What Can We Do About It?
That's not my title. I borrowed it from this piece in Rethinking Schools by Stan Karp. I did so because Stan's piece is cogent, and is something that puts together so much of what is happening in our discussions about educational policy.
Stan begins like this:
The short answer to this question is that far too many people are bashing teachers and public schools, and we need to give them more homework, because very few of them know what they’re talking about. And a few need some serious detention.But the longer answer is that the bashing is coming from different places for different reasons. And to respond effectively to the very real attacks that our schools, our profession, and our communities face, it’s important to pay attention to these differences.
Stan makes a real distinction between those who are directly concerned with children, often their own, and those who have other motivations. His explanation of this is important, because too often the former have been coopted by the latter, which makes things difficult.
If you will take the time to read Stan's piece, this posting will have accomplished its primary task.
In case I have not as of yet convinced you, please continue reading as I offer a few more selections and some commentary of my own.