my responses

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Home : 2005 : May : 31

my responses
By Alicia

Here are my opinions...I teach 4th grade.

1. I don't necessarily think tenure should be abolished, but I think teachers regardless of tenure or non-tenured should be evaluated and held to the same expectations. Overall
teachers work hard and do the best they can, and tenure should be in place to protect those. I get frustrated when SOME tenured teachers "slack off". I've seen it in my school. They should still be held to the highest expectations, and steps should be taken to ensure that these teachers are working to their potential or attempting to make improvements.
2. That's an interesting question...My

district adopted a new math curriculum a few years ago, and now we teach math quite differently from the previous curriculum. There are still a few teachers who use the old curriculum or use it to supplement the new curriculum. That can throw it off for other teachers, because those students do not have the continuum from year to year. I think it's okay to have some restrictions, but we should also be given some room to teach how we want to teach. What's important is that the students are learning. What is being learning is determined by the national and state standards.

3. No, UNLESS there are extenuating circumstances. Most children who are failing in school are failing for more than one reason. It's not just the fault of the teacher or school. It would have to be documented that every possible assistance for this child was used and exhausted. Parents should be held accountable too. I like what the other poster said, "Can we sue the parents?"