If you could change one thing...

[KelEMcE]

As for bonuses or tying teacher rewards to "outcomes", how do you measure that? What if your principal likes you, so your evals are great? What if you "took her on" this year and she is holding a grudge? What if you teach the "low" kids? What if you teach gifted kids who score in the top 1 percent on standardized tests, even without test prep? If standardized tests are the measure, which do you use? What about kids who are doing well in class, do well in life, but test poorly? Will we see even MORE test prep instead of thought provoking curriculum?

What about a teacher like me? I teach gifted and highly gifted students (IQs above 165, in some cases) who are native English speakers and live in a very wealthy neighborhood, who go to museums and performances and educational vacations, and have every single advantage a child could have. These kids would do well if you gave them a high school AP tests in fourth grade. (I have a second grader in my 4/5th grade class doing 8th grade math. It takes me about 4 hours a week to prep his individual, one-on-one math lessons. He's 7 and doing algebra 1, what I did in 9th grade.) So do I get a bonus for their test scores? Who will teach at the "poor" schools (either financially or academically) if there is little chance for significant test score improvement? Who will take on special ed kids, limited English kids, emotionally handicapped kids?

This is controversial because of the subjective nature of measuring student progress. And do you compare this year's third graders against themselves or against last year's? Or against others in the district? the state? the country? I have yet to see a proposal that actually identifies a way to reward teachers fairly.

[KelEMcE]

Our schools in NJ get huge amounts of funding. Cost per pupil in my district is $15,000, in the poorest districts there is a court mandated amount spent. It has to be equal to the amount the most expensive districts spend, so places like Newark and Camden get $22,000 a kid.

Teachers make great money here too, (of course it costs more to live in NJ!). Still, that money does not seem to buy great teachers.

Personally, do away with tenure (which, for those of you who didn't know it, means three years and 1 day on the job NOT ten years).

Require parents to do volunteer hours in the school - this will help both them and the schools stay true to the mission of education. I've taught in wealthy and impoverished districts, and the difference is always, always, always - parental involvement and attitude toward education.

This depends on your district. When I started, you needed three years. Later, moving to a new state, you had to have 7 years in the district. My husband is transferred frequently, so I will never earn "tenure". But I agree, do away with it! Too many teachers DO slack off once they get it.

[sdigioia]

My child is not of school age yet, but I work in a public school and I see a huge difference in the readiness skills that a Kindergartner with preschool experience possesses and one who does not, especially in regards to social skills. Good preschool is expensive and there are not many options for children who do not qualify for Head Start but can not afford private preschool.

[DrJanetRose]

One of the main things we found while researching what makes for successful girls, is the attitudes of the people she is surrounded with all the time. It is so important that teachers take a pro-active role in developing your daughter as a leader and encouraging her in areas the media often undermines.

I talk about this more in "The Seven Secrets of Parenting Girls."

[nely42782]

What is most disappointing to me as a parent is the fact that the teachers and schools cannot do the job they are intended to do. I have two adopted boys school aged, one despises school and any sort of work, the other is a hyper child that wants to go, go, go. The oldest one that doesn't like school will not do homework, will sleep during class and just doesn't care. Guess what, the schools give him passing grades as long as his homework is handed in the last day of school with no form of punishment. I am outraged by this because it is teaching him the wrong way, you don't go in to a job and tell your boss 'I will do it when I want' that will get you fired. By the way, even if he does fail they still will not hold him back. Now my other son loves school but teachers have a problem with him sitting still and I can see them wanting to say something to him, but it is like they are worried to. I grew up in a Catholic school where you didn't miss homework or turn it in late and if you got out of hand, the teachers could deal with it to a certain point. We knew respect and responsibility. Let the schools do their jobs, our future and our childrens depends on it.

[thunderfeet]

I was lucky enough to have a brother that taught special education for 30 years to advise me. He told me the parents that were persistent and met with the educators at school would get things done. I seemed to always be at my sons school and never gave up. When the teachers at the high school said he would never be anything It made me mad and I went there and spoke up and he graduated. He is now a senior in college and is on the Deans Honor Roll. Stand up for your children. We as parents have to be their advocate. I have even met his professors at the college. My son Is in Information Technology. There are so many students we have to speak up. Every child should have an education.

[kwatanabe]

I am a kindergarten teacher, and I agree with those of you who think quality teachers are what makes the school system. Many teachers who got into the profession for the summers off would hate this, but teachers need to be held accountable for their teaching. Administrators need to check up on all their teachers to make sure there is effective teaching and learning in the classrooms. As a teacher, I appreciate my principal popping in to see how things are going. If teachers are doing their jobs well, what have they got to hide.
HOMEWORK: I do give homework 4 nights a week. Yes, in kindergarten. Teachers need to follow appropriate guidelines when giving homework. Ten minutes for each grade level is the recommended amount. I am always clear to parents that this is to let them know what we are learning and to keep parents active in their child's education .
But I'd like to know where all the funding is????? We have smaller budgets and larger class sizes this year.

[DrJanetRose]

I am a school administrator and I have also done extensive research in what is needed to raise strong girls ready to handle transitions in life, pursue higher education, and open career options. If I could change our current school system I would encourage both parents and educators to take a stance on stopping gender bias in our schools...in our text books, in our library books, and in the messages we send our our girls and boys about what it means to be female. Our girls need to see and hear about strong women in history, about females in leadership positions, about valuing themselves for their intelligence, work ethic, and independence rather than on physical beauty or attractiveness. By building strong, hearty girls and by nurturing boys to respect and value women for their IQ points rather than their chest size, we will be taking the steps necessary to change the gender bias that still exits in our world today. These messages need to start early. My eBook can help. It is free...my contribution to a future of open options for our growing girls....

[specialeducator]

Moms, you might be interested in thinking about additional school priorities listed on www.only4moms.com. Check into the "education forum".

[lonewolf]

i want to know how to get the less - homework revolution survey so i can start a group at my sons school . how do i start ?