The truth about teachers thread caused a lot of hostility but now that the dust has settled I think that the parents here no have a better idea about the quality of the people who are incharge of their kids for 5 or 6 hours a day.
I think that is is probably evident to most parents that educational reform is long over due.
I would suggest to parent and other taxpayers that they look into the compentency of the people who are teaching their children. They need to ask about the valididty of their credentials.
Here are a few questions that teacher who themselves are public servants should be required to answer.
Do you have any specialized training in teaching children with disabilities?
Did you pass your state’s competency test?
Have you ever been reprimanded?
Parents should be given a copy of the state competency test.
Teacher’s performance should be made public.
Parents need to monitor classrooms if they feel their child’s teacher is sub par.
Parents need to take the T out of PTA.
Parents should have a voice at the state level.
Parents should be involved in the hiring and firing of teachers.
Parents should lobby for a national compentency test.
Parents should demand mandatory drug testing for all teachers.
Teachers are the backbone of our educational system. The system will only be as good as its weakest link. As it stands now too many American teachers should not be in front of a blackboard. These teachers need to be rehabilitated or they should see if McDonalds is hiring.
I will not argue the fact that our edcational system has other problems besides poor teachers but improving them will eventually improve the entire system.