WTF is going on?!? Polls, which politicians seem to only pay attention to when they support them, show overwhelming support for expanding background checks on gun purchases to include guns bought at gun shows and on line. This makes sense, particularly given that the Aurora shooter bought his supplies on line. But, apparently, what we, the people, want is irrelevant. Clearly, it's much more important to our Congressmen that they retain their own power and money, which the NRA has been able to guarantee for them in the past. When I first became principal in my small town in North Carolina, I was given the advice, "Don't upset the DAR." I guess Congressmen must be given the advice, "Don't upset the NRA." But, when you have been hired to do something as important as directing the education of a town's young people, you cannot be swayed by special interest groups whose desires are contrary to what is educationally sound and in the best interests of the students. The same principle ought to apply to Congressmen. Where is their integrity?
Another thing that's been bothering me is the cheating on state tests that has happened since NCLB and Race to the Top were implemented. Earlier this month, dozens of employees and former employees of the Atlanta Public Schools were indicted under the RICO Act because they cheated on the state tests. The cheating was widespread and the system of rewards and punishments tied to students' test scores that the Superintendent implemented contributed to it. There have been documented incidents of cheating in schools in other states and there have been suspicions and allegations of cheating in even more. This will continue as long as teachers, principals, and superintendents are evaluated based on students' test scores. You could say that these educators don't have any integrity, and I wouldn't argue with you. But, let's not ignore the fact that the entire system of evaluating our schools lacks integrity, too.
If you follow Diane Ravitch, you know her opinion as to why our schools are being subject to these senseless "accountability systems." Regardless of whether it's due to money, power, or prejudice, the pressure on educators for their students to score well on tests is insanely high and has done significant damage to our students and to our schools. We have only begun to reveal the ugliness that these laws have created. One of the most famous supporters of using test scores to reward and punish educators is Michelle Rhee, the former Chancellor of the D.C. Public Schools. Some people have been saying for several years that there was cheating going on during her reign, but, to date, no one has been charged with any crimes. However, you should read this report if you want to know more about it.
When I've been frustrated by the attitudes and actions of the school board of my district, I have been heard to say, "We reap what we sow. These people are graduates of our schools." I'm worried that we will all be forced to reap what our Congressmen and the Department of Education have sown. I am far from perfect, and I have made my share of mistakes, both personally and professionally. At times, I have lost my focus on what was best for students. But - and this is what I think is lacking in our Congressmen - I listened when someone told me that I needed to step back and re-think my position.
Another thing that's been bothering me is the cheating on state tests that has happened since NCLB and Race to the Top were implemented. Earlier this month, dozens of employees and former employees of the Atlanta Public Schools were indicted under the RICO Act because they cheated on the state tests. The cheating was widespread and the system of rewards and punishments tied to students' test scores that the Superintendent implemented contributed to it. There have been documented incidents of cheating in schools in other states and there have been suspicions and allegations of cheating in even more. This will continue as long as teachers, principals, and superintendents are evaluated based on students' test scores. You could say that these educators don't have any integrity, and I wouldn't argue with you. But, let's not ignore the fact that the entire system of evaluating our schools lacks integrity, too.
If you follow Diane Ravitch, you know her opinion as to why our schools are being subject to these senseless "accountability systems." Regardless of whether it's due to money, power, or prejudice, the pressure on educators for their students to score well on tests is insanely high and has done significant damage to our students and to our schools. We have only begun to reveal the ugliness that these laws have created. One of the most famous supporters of using test scores to reward and punish educators is Michelle Rhee, the former Chancellor of the D.C. Public Schools. Some people have been saying for several years that there was cheating going on during her reign, but, to date, no one has been charged with any crimes. However, you should read this report if you want to know more about it.
When I've been frustrated by the attitudes and actions of the school board of my district, I have been heard to say, "We reap what we sow. These people are graduates of our schools." I'm worried that we will all be forced to reap what our Congressmen and the Department of Education have sown. I am far from perfect, and I have made my share of mistakes, both personally and professionally. At times, I have lost my focus on what was best for students. But - and this is what I think is lacking in our Congressmen - I listened when someone told me that I needed to step back and re-think my position.
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