Testing teacher through “VAM:
It’s like a doctor offering me a pill that he knows doesn’t work because he hasn’t found one as cheap and easy to take that works. But at least we can say “no” to our doctors. But can we say “no” to putting teachers lives on the line for a “pill” that doesn’t work? Alas, increasingly the answer is “we can’t”, and the poison pill spreads. Hurrah for Chicago’s teachers for saying no–but even they probably can’t stop it. Is a compromise better than nothing? Probably yes. Scary stuff. Read below for more info to add to the info on why this VAM-pill is nonsense. And thank you, Chicago teachers.
What it means to win…
From: Leonie Haimson
Subject: [nyceducationnews] Fwd: Analyzing Released NYC Value-Added Data Part 6
What it means to win…
Quoting Ted Sizer’s hopes for the Coalition of Essential Schools in 1983. “I hope that we can change the conversation.” Well, Chicago teachers, you have. Sometimes, as John Dewey noted, you can only learn when you are moving, in action, exploring, experimenting, taking risks. You’ve unparalyzed us, Chicago. Victory is already yours and ours–even before I’ve read any new contract language.