Alfie Kohn hits the nail right on the head with his latest article, "What Passes as School Reform: "Value Added Teacher Evaluation and Other Absurdities."
If you're a parent, teacher, or administrator, read the article in its entirety. In fact, don't just read it, work hard to comprehend the topic thoroughly. Teachers should know implicitly who they are, what they do, and what it is they're steered and manipulated by others to do at their students' expense.
Administrators should be able to understand what quality really looks like as they're observing teachers in the classroom who teach children, not automatons.
Aren't you glad I didn't get off on another rant?
I am SO glad to find this article! It should be required reading for every school administrator, parent and public official!!! It is amazing to me that teachers are no longer consulted or considered for their professional opinions. And don't get me started on the "disguises" that make it look like we are! Good grief. Sorry for the rant.
ReplyDeleteI am a kindergarten teacher and have felt that this year has been exceptionally challenging. I LOVE teaching and exploring with my students. It is the endless paperwork, SRBI meetings, conferences and unrealistic goals that I get frustrated with. This article is a great example of what standards -based testing has done to our country.
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