No Teacher Left Behind Act
Teachers matter too!
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?
In order to keep teachers from being left behind, adequate training regarding 21st century skills must be provided to them. The problem we have with providing the training to teachers is that if it is on their own free time and optional, we cannot guarantee the training will be taken. In order to guarantee the training is taken, it must be made mandatory. Many schools, including Ashford, hold very effective workshops and courses in order to help students where they may be having a problem area. It is my opinion that these same types of workshops should be given to teachers. If we implemented a mandatory workshop for teachers on how to include 21st century curriculum into their lessons, no teacher would be left behind. These workshops would guarantee that teachers are always up to date on the latest necessary information.
Should all teachers across the country use certain practices? If so, what would those be?
One of the most common programs that are now being used across the country is the Common Core program. While I am still slightly up in the air about the program, I do think programs such as these should be in place. However, while this program may be effective, I do not think it solves all of our problems. I personally think the practices of teachers across the country should vary. Teachers need to adjust their curriculum to reach their students the best way possible; the same should go for the teachers.
Should there be a consistent standard for all teachers to meet, just as students must pass high stakes tests? If so, what would be the standard?
When it comes to picking teachers, I cannot stress enough how important it is to me that they meet certain requirements just as students must pass high stakes tests. I do not think every single person who wants to be a teacher is cut out to be a teacher. It is my opinion that teachers should pass strict guidelines to be able to be qualified. For example: they should have a certain level of education. They should also be required to take a certain amount of hours in training over the years in order to keep up to date with technology and the changes. When I was in school, I was told that education and learning never ends. If students are told that they must constantly keep improving their learning, why shouldn't teachers?
Lastly, share your thoughts on how well teachers are being prepared to master the ISTE Standards for Teachers standards in their classrooms.
The first thing I noticed about ISTE Standards for Teachers is just how much they offer. There are so many resources for teachers to take advantage of. There is no reason that a teacher should not be prepared to master the ISTE Standards for teachers in their classroom. There might just be more we can do to prepare teachers to be ready to master the standards but I believe it goes along with the training as mentioned above.