Teachers and States Clash Over Race to the Top
So, as was foreshadowed by recent complaints of several states, the second phase of the Race to the Top competition has caused many states to clash over policy changes. With $3.4 billion left in funding money and only two states winning the first round of payouts, there is no clear line on how far states have to go in order to separate from the pack.
New policy changes ask that states be increasingly aggressive in the next round of reform. But how bold is too bold? How can those in charge not see the inherent problem in asking legislators to increase the measures they are taking to improve student performance?
These questions do not seem to have an answer, at least not one that states and teachers unions can see eye to eye on. For a teacher, the idea of having one’s own performance scrutinized by how well a room full of students who have varying levels of competency is already a tough pill to swallow. To increase the standards for analyzing performance and get both full district and union support seems near impossible.
Of the 500 point grading scale, 20 percent relies on getting full support. The issues involved seem to be deeper than what can reasonably be reconciled by the deadline in less than six weeks.
After the disappointment that surrounded phase one, it appears that many states, including Kansas and Indiana, may not be competing in phase 2. With tensions rising between state legislators and teachers unions, it may not be reasonable to complete applications by the deadline.
It seems that the government sponsored program risks a great deal when it asks for so much change at once. The failure of the Race to the Top Competition may not be the best thing for the current administration, especially with November elections on the way.
Leave a Reply
Recent JobsBack to Top
- High School-Luzhou, Sichuan-5,000-6,500 RMB - China, NY
- Language School-Changchun, Jilin-6000-7000RMB - China, NY
- Full-Time Jobs for English Teachers - Tianjin,China, TX
- Web Language Training Center-Suzhou, Jiansu-9500 RMB - China, NY
- IELTS School-Xi'an, Shaanxi-5500RMB - China, NY
