On the subject of teacher layoffs

Here's a judge's opinion, in a long-running case, of current layoff proposals.

As for arguments about whether to lay off new teachers or old dinosaurs like me, check out this open letter.

WHY TEACHERS LIKE ME SUPPORT UNIONS

1. There are too many megalomaniacs out there in administrative positions who use their authority like a weapon, instead of a tool. I've met them.

2. I teach in a "right to work state". My contract isn't worth the paper it's written on. We had statewide teacher furloughs last year. You may have seen it in the news.

3. I'm a child of union members. I'm well aware that some union officials are less than ethical (OK, corrupt). Eliminating unions is NOT the solution. Take care of the problem properly. Until I moved to this state, I had no idea there were still places in the USA where employees have virtually no rights. I feel like chattel.

4. By protecting the working conditions of the teachers, unions also protect the learning conditions your child faces every day. How well would you learn if the megalomanic in the front office were free to harass teachers during class with no restrictions on this behavior? I can tell you, I'd be wetting my pants, because if they can treat adults that way, I (the student) don't stand a chance. What about you?

More to come- it's time to get ready for another day in the classroom.

Performance Evaluations

Here's some food for thought on teacher performance evaluations, from New Jersey, where they are evidently looking at "value-added" models. NewJersey.com

From the article:

THE Teacher Effectiveness Task Force report issued March 3 by a panel appointed by Governor Christie recommended basing teacher evaluation significantly on student test scores.

My question is this: what evidence is there to support this model? We know by now that the LA Times results are questionable, the Vanderbilt study found performance pay to be ineffective, most of the brilliant schemes to pay kids for grades have been abandoned. So, in this world where we are supposed to be 'research-based' and use the 'data', where is the research to support these plans? And, "I believe it will work" is NOT good enough.

Oh, come on, FSU!

Mighty FSU is afraid that little Salem HS using the name Seminoles might 'cause confusion'? Those must be some fans of questionable sense and intelligence, if they think a ball game in Conyers has anything to do with FSU. Here's an article on the subject.

some people don't have much sense

Went to a park in the area. It's a remarkable place, a granite outcrop and former granite quarry that also happens to be home to a variety of specialist species. The diamorpha is up and starting to bloom, the senecio is blooming, carolina jessamine is blooming like crazy. Gorgeous. and then the trash left behind. I actually picked up a disposable shop towel and brought it back to toss in my trash. Here's a picture of someone's drink cup placed in easy view of the main trail into the preserve. Slobs! Would it really cost you to take it with you? I don't want to look at your trash!

Okay, I give up- what's with 8th graders?

i have found no answer to the riddle that is the 8th grade student. They are insanely immature, try to act like they are adults who know all, argue like kindergarteners, and dress like exotic dancers. But you'd better not MESS WITH THEM, or they will make you absolutely miserable. BTW, "messing with them" pretty much covers any expectations or limits you may have for them. Don't think they're going to do anything you want; you'll be sorely disappointed.
Yes, I agree that there are some who don't fit the above description. Unfortunately, the ones who seem to take up all of my (and colleagues') time do. I've stopped trying to understand. I just want to get to the end of this school year.

I can SO understand the sentiment

Here it is from SusanOhanian.org
I had one of those days on Friday. Actually left one of my collaboraive classes out of sheer frustration at the ridiculous scene before me. And the rudeness of one of my kids, who constantly whines for my help but that day decided to impress his peers, just pushed me over the top. Rather than stay and risk my mental health and/or employment, I just gathered my things and walked out of the room without a word.

On the fallacies of standardized testing

Here's Carol Cross's argument, on her blog and in Valerie Strauss's column. I thought she made her point quite well, but apparently some readers, both at the blog, and at the Washington Post, didn't really understand her satiricxal take on the situation.

Minor vindication

In the classroom, that is. A couple of days ago, I had a visitor who came to observe my class. This is not my principal, or assistant principal. This is someone from the district. Here's the background: I'm teaching a research-based, scripted reading program for students with learning diabilities. The visitor is the person who introduced this program to the district. In a sense, it's her baby. She trained me on it, and I'm using it for the first time (she has not taught this program herself). As is often the case, I see that there is a bit of a mismatch between my students' entty skills and the ideal for this program. So, I have made some adjustments to accommodate my kids, that I believe help them to get more out of the experience. In the observation, I was slightly shredded for not following the tested procedures, etc. We discussed it, and I felt bad for slacking off. The very next day, my kids are finishing up their practice assignment, and with some feedback, every single one of them completed it to my satisfaction (I'm pretty demanding), including the one I've been most concerned about. It jsut clicked for him, and he's zooming now. It was a great way to start the morning.