tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14707730.post112199406689648013..comments2024-02-24T19:49:45.687-05:00Comments on Schools Matter: The revolution starts . . .nowJames Hornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04462754705431590571noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14707730.post-1122950620220482472005-08-01T22:43:00.000-04:002005-08-01T22:43:00.000-04:00It's great to hear another voice in the EduSphere....It's great to hear another voice in the EduSphere. I'll be looking forward to listening to more of your thoughts...EdWonkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07487951830278757474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14707730.post-1122199053388279392005-07-24T05:57:00.000-04:002005-07-24T05:57:00.000-04:00Thanks for providing the space for altering and el...Thanks for providing the space for altering and elevating the discourse and most important, continuing the conversation on education policy in a thoughtful and meaningful way.<BR/><BR/>Shining a light on the people and policies responsible for the educational atrocities being perpetrated on students, teachers and parents under the banner of school reform is a great service.<BR/><BR/>Like an odorless, tasteless poison, we can't see it, taste it or smell it -- but we can feel it. The first step is recognizing that it exists and that it is real.<BR/><BR/>freetoteachAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14707730.post-1122048292107410392005-07-22T12:04:00.000-04:002005-07-22T12:04:00.000-04:00Diploma Mill? Isn't that the pot calling the kettl...Diploma Mill? Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black? <BR/><BR/>I have nothing profound to say in my comments, they are just some mumblings in response to the information I learned from your link to the ABCTE...<BR/><BR/>Intrigued, I checked out the website of ABCTE; fascinated, I checked out the sample questions on the Professional Teaching Knowledge exam; curious, I checked out the details of cost and curriculum; and finally, my perverted sense of humour erupted with a hearty guffaw! This whole program is reminiscent of the 'company' slogan for Larry, Darryl and Darryl (Newhart Show)...<I>ANYTHING FOR A BUCK</I>!<BR/><BR/>Of all the things I learned while completing my degree in Education, the most profound 'lesson' came from observing and learning while real teachers taught. I had previously earned a degree in political science, an area that I had a lot of personal interest in so I didn't concern myself, one way or the other, about the teaching methods of my profs. However, once I became a student of education, I realized what a teacher was capable of...and lamented to anyone and everyone who would listen: "Unfortunate that all profs are not learned in teaching skills--imagine the impact on their students!" These skills cannot be learned by reading nor can they be tested by a multiple-choice exam (or the "new" essay question)--these skills need to be modeled, observed, explored and practised. <BR/><BR/>As I said, I checked out the curriculum offered at the ABCTE. There was none. All this outfit offers is test preparation! Sounds reminiscent of what (I understand to be the case--I am a Canadian teacher and we have not yet fallen victim to this quantitative-only monster) teachers now have to do in public school under the NCLB. <BR/><BR/>The whole thing is sad in another way. ABCTE touts accessibility to would-be teachers by virtue of the program's cost, but doesn't provide would-be teachers with a strong skill-set. I fear it will set up new teachers for failure. What will they have to fall back on when they hit a situation that drill-test-drill doesn't accommodate. They won't know any better--they will have only their education experience to fall back on. I, on the other hand, had great teachers to learn from; I had [for the most part] great curriculum and resources for reference; I had the experience of learning and working with other students; and, I had several months of practical experience. <BR/><BR/>I'd be willing to bet that the drop-out rate of teachers certified by ABCTE will trump anything experienced by university/ college "Diploma MIlls."<BR/><BR/>Keep up the good work!<BR/>CMcynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15514785429568086047noreply@blogger.com