Three Questions, Two Answers from the Department of Education
A little more than two weeks ago, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan held a phone-in press conference. I submitted several questions online, but they were not addressed during the event. However, reporters on the line were assured that unanswered questions would be given high priority. So I emailed them in.
Today, answers have arrived, from Department of Education spokesperson Stephen Spector, who explained that time constraints prevent a response from Secretary Duncan himself.
Here are the questions, followed by Mr. Spector's responses:
Question 1: Secretary Duncan, you have a successful career. Would you be willing to take the Common Core Tests as they become available and share your score?
Question 1: Secretary Duncan, you have a successful career. Would you be willing to take the Common Core Tests as they become available and share your score?
Response: "I cannot personally respond to your first question, but happy to respond to the second to.(sic)"
Question number 2: There has been a massive loss of teacher agency since you've taken charge, and creative, top-notch teachers are fleeing the profession in droves. Do you see a way to address the feeling of loss teachers have about their own profession? Is that something you were after? --What do you have to say about teacher morale, in general?
Question number 2: There has been a massive loss of teacher agency since you've taken charge, and creative, top-notch teachers are fleeing the profession in droves. Do you see a way to address the feeling of loss teachers have about their own profession? Is that something you were after? --What do you have to say about teacher morale, in general?
A: The Department is working with educators in rebuilding the profession. We are looking to