A new paradigm to support teachers
Regardless of how you word it, most states have now undergone the process of adopting new education standards that more accurately reflect what students need to know and be able to do in the 21st century economy. While the politics of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) have sucked most of the air out of the room, school and district practitioners know that politics aside, CCSS has created the opportunity to focus on the most important question: what do students need to know and be able to do?
As a former teacher, central office leader and superintendent, I believe that everything in a school system needs to be organized around teaching and learning, and equity. Both require highly trained professional educators and a cohesive system that creates the right conditions for success. TheTeachStrong campaign highlights the key principles of ensuring that teachers today are prepared to meet the needs of tomorrow’s students.
Another critical piece of the TeachStrong campaign is improving teacher preparation; again, something that the American public supports. In fact, nearly three-quarters of respondents to the PDK International poll want to see prospective teachers pass an entry exam similar to that of doctors and lawyers.
Yet, better preparing teachers will not be enough alone to improve opportunities and outcomes for children. We need to have a commensurate focus on the various elements of school systems that support great teaching and learning. I believe that school district leaders need to design such A new paradigm to support teachers | TheHill:
