On January 31, the Department of Education hosted its quarterly conference call for education funders. Secretary Arne Duncan addressed the Department’s priorities as highlighted in the President’s State of the Union address, providing more details on the Administration’s initiatives to promote college affordability, a robust and respected teaching profession, and career-oriented education and training that will lead to employment. The Secretary also discussed the progress of Race to the Top states and the effective involvement of the funder community in support of statewide efforts, as well as the application process for states pursuing ESEA flexibility.
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As long as all the funding goes to departments of education, universities and school districts, the money will continue to be spent incorrectly.
People who could really enhance math and science instruction are excluded in favor of those who score high on Praxis, follow lesson plans, engage in wow theatrics and make the school politicians happy.
In the end, real math and science instruction never finds its way into the classroom.
I have 330 hours in college, have 23 years experience in k- 12 schools. I have three college degrees. I have been mislead, misdirected and still do not have a full timeteaching position. There must be literally thousands of highly qualified teachers who have degree, have paid for alternative certification, have jumped through all of the hoops, and then some, have passed their background checks, past their state exams, gotten finger printed, just like me who are literally being told we are to complete four months with out pay, they call it plan B.
How am I supposed to feed my child? Pay the bills including the student loans??
I am asking this administration to please consider substitute teaching and paraprofessional experience, coupled with education as student teaching and give credit to the highly qualified, degreed, retired military and civilian sector who have made the commitment, yet have received NO health benefits, No retirement, No Consideration. New York manages to respect their substitute teachers and offer credit in this area.
We are ready. We have been ready, we have made the commitment. We are not asking even for a pay raise. We are AMERICA!! WE ARE AMERICANS WHO CARE ABOUT AND FOR OUR COMMUNITIES, OR NEIGHBORS, OUR NATION. IN FACT AS AMERICAN PROFESSIONAL EDUCATORS, WE CARE AND RESPOND TO ALL CHILDREN OF THE WORLD!!!!! JUST SAYIN!!!! THE CADRE IS HERE.
It is striking to me that there is virtually no mention of students with disabilities and the generally abysmal record of the K-12 system to provide appropriate education to maximize employment opportunities and community inclusion. Likewise, the focus on college as the sole post-secondary option does a disservice to students with and without disabilities who would prefer training/apprenticeship in the building trades or other occupations — or other educational options that do not rely on “book-learning” and classroom settings.