kitchen table math, the sequel: Arne Duncan supports "Gold Star" teachers

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

SteveH said...: There is an inherent flaw in curricula like Everyday Math, but everyone is looking for "Gold Star" Everyday Math and TERC teachers. How do you define a "Gold Star" differentiated instruction teacher? Is it a fifth grade teacher who will finally force kids to learn the times table by not differentiating?

Teachers don't like this RttT push for evaluation in our state. Some are willing to risk losing the federal money. What do they offer as an alternative? Nothing. They just talk about "socioeconomic challenges". This issue become a "Get Out of Jail Free" card. On one hand, they claim that education is a path out of poverty, but on the other hand, they fight charter schools and claim that the public can only expect that they will do the best they can. By definition, you can't define an effective teacher. This is an easier argument to make with full inclusion, but I don't see them pushing for a model that would make the evaluation task easier, even for just the skill side of the balance equation. This lets them wiggle out of even ensuring that kids in fifth grade know the times table. At some point, it isn't about socioeconomic challenges. They are not willing to define that point.; March 10, 2011 at 4:52 AM

kitchen table math, the sequel