Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Bridging Differences: The NCLB Paradox Enters the Twilight Zone


Bridging Differences: The NCLB Paradox Enters the Twilight Zone:

"Behind these promises and threats lies a simple theory: scores are not high enough, because teachers are either lazy, don't work hard, or aren't motivated enough to do a good job. So teachers will work harder and be more successful if they can get more money, and they will work harder and be more successful if their livelihoods and reputations are on the line.

The problem with the incentives and sanctions approach is that it works. It does produce higher scores. We see scores going up in many states, sometimes at rates that defy belief. Some states may actually reach that dreamy goal of 100 percent 'proficiency' by 2014."