Why California Tightened Oversight of New Teachers
In a post yesterday, I referred to a decision by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to set higher standards for those who teach the state’s neediest students, especiallybEnglish-language learners..
Some readers thought this decision was unfair to Teach for America recruits, who get only five weeks of training before assignment to difficult jobs.
However, a reader who closely follows the work of the Commission described the decision, as follows:
Some readers thought this decision was unfair to Teach for America recruits, who get only five weeks of training before assignment to difficult jobs.
However, a reader who closely follows the work of the Commission described the decision, as follows:
A Site for Stupid Test Questions
Now that so many of our policymakers consider standardized testing the ultimate measure and goal of education, it is a good time to step back and remember how error-prone these instruments are.
Fortunately there is a new website that is collecting truly stupid test questions.
In my seven years on the NAEP board, I saw any questions with two good answers or none.
Be sure to read it and submit your own entry.
Fortunately there is a new website that is collecting truly stupid test questions.
In my seven years on the NAEP board, I saw any questions with two good answers or none.
Be sure to read it and submit your own entry.
Heilig: A TFA Rebellion Brewing?
Julian Vasquez Heilig, a scholar of education at the University of Texas, has noticed an interesting phenomenon: A growing number of TFA alumni are contradicting the company line. They know how hard the work is. They discover they are miracle-workers and they are not going to close the achievement gap. They don’t like being used to sell a false narrative. One even said it was time for TFA to close down.
Meanwhile, in Louisiana, bloggers are asking why TFA wants the state to pay $5 million for their teachers, on top of a payment of $3,000 per teacher, each of whom will get a full salary. The question becomes pointed because TFA is rolling in hundreds of millions of dough while Louisiana’s public schools are under-funded.
Meanwhile, in Louisiana, bloggers are asking why TFA wants the state to pay $5 million for their teachers, on top of a payment of $3,000 per teacher, each of whom will get a full salary. The question becomes pointed because TFA is rolling in hundreds of millions of dough while Louisiana’s public schools are under-funded.
I Will Speak in Baton Rouge This Thursday
I am speaking in Baton Rouge on Thursday.
The first event will be hosted by Leaders with Vision at Drusilla’s restaurant. My talk will be followed by comments by Charles Roemer, president of the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Then, I will speak at a teacher Town Hall. Admission is free and open to all.
Doors open at 5, and I speak at 5:30 pm.
Location: BREC Administrative Building Ballroom, 6201 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge.
The first event will be hosted by Leaders with Vision at Drusilla’s restaurant. My talk will be followed by comments by Charles Roemer, president of the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Then, I will speak at a teacher Town Hall. Admission is free and open to all.
Doors open at 5, and I speak at 5:30 pm.
Location: BREC Administrative Building Ballroom, 6201 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge.
LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 3-12-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: [image: Click on picture to Listen to Diane Ravitch] Will College Adjuncts Qualify for Food Stamps? by dianerav I recently posted a news story from Grand Rapids, about teachers who say their pay qualifies them for food stamps. Eric Zorn of the Chicago Tribune writes that college adjuncts are not likely to qualify for health care. At their current low wages, they already qualify for food stamps. The New York Times wrote recently that the college degree is akin to a high school degree. Just to get a job as What ... more »