Monday, September 8, 2008

School Reform? Let's Ask Teachers

When it comes to school reform, corporate cheifs get their say, congress and president's make epic decisions. governors set statewide policy, bureaucrats imposes rules and regulations, superintendents hatch and enforce procedures, and opinion makers declare all manner of 'truths.' But there is one critical voice that is rarely heard. It is that of the classroom teacher.

Everyone feels free to fault teachers, but who troubles to ask them, "What do you think"? This state of affairs is a sign of fundamental disrespect. And it's a disprespect that powerholders had better get over if school improvement is really what they are up to, because nothing good is going to happen without the wholehearted cooperation of frontline teachers.

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