June 2013
“NCTQ found only one-quarter of teacher training programs require applicants to come from the top half of their classes. It also found that few programs are preparing prospective teachers for the Common Core State Standards, and that 75 percent of programs aren’t teaching teachers specific methods of instruction “that could substantially lower the number of children who never become proficient readers.” Instead, they’re expecting trainees to develop their own teaching philosophies. “As if a 21-year-old could have their own philosophy about reading,” Walsh said. “In any other field, this would be malpractice. If you don’t acknowledge that there are core skills, anything goes.”
—
Teacher Preparation Program Rankings Make U.S. News Debut
They talk a lot about legislation to make it harder to become a teacher so the process is more rigorous. That’s all well and good, but where’s the damn legislation to pay them better? You want to make it harder? Pay them better. Period.
Or are we all going to be like North Carolina and not give teachers a pay raise for five years (and counting)? Or Chicago and only close schools that serve the African American kids?
(via world-shaker)
“The trouble with being a daydreamer who doesn’t say much is that the teachers at school, especially those who don’t know you very well, are likely to think you’re rather stupid. Or, if not stupid, then dull. No one can see the amazing things that are going on in your head”
—The Daydreamer, Ian McEwan (via dreamwithin-adream)
“Libraries aren’t in the real world, after all. They’re places apart, sanctuaries of pure thought.”
—Paul Auster (via picadorbookroom)
