"A child's learning is the function more of the characteristics of his classmates than those of the teacher." James Coleman, 1972

Tuesday, January 03, 2012

Imagine That! Respect for Teachers and Collaboration Work

The Central Falls Success

Joe Nocera of the New York Times writes about The Central Falls Success. What can we learn from that success?

"There is another important element to the collaboration: The Learning Community advisers who work most closely with Central Falls teachers haven't just done a fly-by. They have worked hand in hand with their public school colleagues for three years. They have been a constant, encouraging presence. They have treated the public schoolteachers with respect. It makes a huge difference"

However, look for the spin from the well-funded charter school profiteers and on-line education companies to look for the cheap way out. That is what's best for their profits, not the bottom line of children learning how to read, having a warm, nurturing school environment where they can flourish. All it took was giving the teachers, yes, the professionals who work in the classroom, a seat at the table, hear their voices and work with them, not against them.

What a concept. Perhaps President Obama will finally acknowledge that Race to the Top needs to get away from ideas like merit pay for test scores and punishment and instead look at what really works, and it's free!! Just a little respect and collaboration.

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