Wow. This is a massive question, and there are
several factors that contribute to this problem. And I
know this is not a great thread for MOT, but I DO
think that new teachers may find themselves in
buildings where MOT modeling, etc. beyond "the
program" is NOT allowed, so perhaps it is a fair
question to discuss here for a limited time. New
teachers need to be armed with knowledge that helps
them do what they believe is right. (You would not
believe the sneaky things I did to teach the way I
wanted to early on in my career!)
As several people have pointed out #1 is money...and
that is a tangled web. If schools want the money,
they have to dance...I think many principals and
superintendants often have their hands tied. School
boards are a different story...they are often packed
with data driven business nuts. My friend worked in a
district where a school board member said, "If the
teachers don't like it, let them quit. Elementary
teachers are a dime a dozen." True story.
Now money at the federal level...whole different ball
game. Michelle, have you heard about the Reading
First scandal and the millions of dollars that were
spent on cherry picked programs? Go to Susan
Ohanian's site (www.susanohanian.org) and search
Reading First you will read things that make you ill.
More sickening is that the media BARELY covers
this...hmmm. But I'm sure we all know the exact
moment Paris Hilton got out of jail. One more
thing...our state test (IL) was being written by
HARCOURT...I wonder how many districts are mandating
Trophies? (the Harcourt series) Can anyone say
"conflict of interest?!" It should be against the
law. Did you read Elaine Garan's last post about all
the special interests going on during NRP studies.
Fascinating and sad.
BTW, the medical analogy is not entirely
correct...they suffer from some of the same probs. My
husband used to be a pharma rep...oh the stuff he told
me. Basically, the insurance companies are dictating
to doctors what procedures to perform, what meds. to
prescribe, etc. So in America, it is mainly about
money and power.
It is usually the neediest schools and kids stuck with
these horrid programs/mandates because they need the
federal money the most. Great social injustices are
being done. And these are not the types of families
who will stand up and demand better because it's hard
enough for most of them to pay rent and buy food.
Aside from money, our CULTURE does not value education
or educators. There are several countries in the world
where a teacher is highly respected, but I think in
the U.S., we only give lip service to it. Glamour,
fame, looks, money and the things you buy with
it...that is the yardstick for success for MANY. If
people can get there without an education, they
would...in a heartbeat. Seriously, look at all the
narcissistic twits going on all those reality shows. A
bit scary. And don't get me started on all of those
Hollywood teacher movies...they do not AT ALL show how
very difficult the job is. If only you show students
you care in a quirky way...then it will all turn
around! I think they demean the profession. (I'm sure
many will disagree)
Here's the thing...as a new teacher, you WILL have to
pay your dues and be careful how outspoken you are.
You won't do any kids any good if you are not in the
classroom. And you will do right by kids...you will
make a difference.
BTW, hope you are planning to participate in the
Strategies That Work discussion...should be some great
discussion.
Lisa
2/3 IL, who is sorry for the ramble...
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