No Teacher Left Behind
LaShonda Mason
1. How would you suggest we, as a nation, provide consistent learning opportunities for teachers and ensure that they are not left behind in learning about new techniques and strategies?
Like the no child left behind act, I would first suggest focusing on accountability, flexibility, and research-based education. My suggestion would be to mandate that teachers obtain a specified amount of hours of continuing education. The topics discussed would vary each year, but would cover current laws, the current school ratings state and district wide, and the current student test scores school and district wide. I would make these offerings flexible for teachers, giving them the option to complete all hours at one time, online, or in a classroom setting. I would also make sure that all the education offered is research-based education, live and/or video demonstrations of the new techniques and strategies being discussed. After demonstrating the techniques and strategies, teachers would be obligated to perform or demonstrate them themselves, as an exit ticket. I wouldn't want teachers to be forced to come to a class and learn the same things over and over each year. There would definitely have to be someone assigned to conducting research as it relates to the new technologies available, where technology is taking us, how students are responding and performing with/to the technology.
Should all teachers across the country use certain practices?
I don’t think that all teachers should have to use certain practices. I think this would limit the teacher’s ability to teach without restrictions, limit teacher creativity, and ultimately lower teacher morale.
Should there be a consistent standard for all teachers to meet, just as students must pass high stakes tests?
I do believe that there should be a certain standard for all teachers to meet. A teacher should not just be certified and free to move on, without having some accountability.
If so, what would be the standard?
Lastly, share your thoughts on how well teachers are being prepared to master the ISTE Standards for Teachers in their classrooms.
- I think that teachers are well prepared to facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity. 21st century children are seemingly intrigued, some obsessed with technology. This information was, is, and will be beneficial to teachers. It can be used as a way to get students engaged.
- I think that teachers are using this to their advantage and it is making the classroom better for both teacher and student. Teachers are being well prepared to model digital age work and learning as well. Teachers realize how important technology is and how it’s changing from one generation to the next. Teachers are also afforded an opportunity of ease of work utilizing technology.
- I think that in the 21st century, teachers are making a conscious decision to work smarter and not harder and thereby taking advantage of technology.
- I think that most teachers are exceptionally prepared to promote and model digital citizenship and responsibility. I think that most are as well prepared as they are due to the individual accountability, legal, moral, and ethical responsibility that’s involved. Within this standard teachers must first lead by example.
- I think that most, if not all teachers are well prepared to engage in professional growth and leadership. Most schools provide and/or require a specified amount of professional development hours, offer workshops, offer work sessions, and offer incentives such as pay increases for certain degrees held. I think that the plethora of options available for professional growth is motivating and inspiring to teachers.