jigs said:
the money would be more wisely spent on getting the teachers thinned out that are not doing thier job. Tenure is something that needs tossed out the door. the kids are not dumb, just not motivated to learn.... poor scores are a direct reflection of crappy teachers.
I do understand what you are trying to say, but I also take issue with the idea that teachers are the problem. You have no idea what motivates the kids today, and it is not learning. Let's say that texting and social networking are more important than doing homework or paying attention in class. Rules mean nothing to most of them--the time of 'getting in trouble at school meant twice as much trouble at home' is over. Parents do not see a problem with students surfing the Internet or texting in class; thus, the kids reflect that in the classroom, also. I realize testing is a tool of accountability for teachers--so when will it also be used as a tool of accountability for students? If they do not do well, and those standards and benchmarks have been taught, should the student not spend another year as a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior?
As for the issue of tenure, tenure is not a badge of protection. It usually is a matter of the administration not doing his/her/their job and documenting problems. Do not forget, there are not a lot of people lining up for jobs in education, and in the last twenty years we have struggled to fill positions.
Just my two-cents' worth!