Interesting that another article in today's paper touches on the subject of tenure. This one creates a nice segway from my previous post. This commentary is actually written by state representative Margaret O'Brien. She takes a soft approach to attacking many of her fellow politicains in Lansing who, "do not want common sense solutions" and "fight on behalf of special interests that benefit the status quo".
She's a newbie to the state political scene so she is still filled with the ideal that what matters is what's right and that she can make a difference. Time will tell where he interests lie.
But so far, it's in the right place. She has introduced House Bill 4627 which will eliminate seniority as a factor in teacher layoffs. This is just a flat out no brainer, but in a state that is so union driven, I can see the fight coming. LIFO, or "Last In- First Out" is the same kind of backward thinking that for far too long protected much of the manufacturing industry in this state. How did that work out?
Tenure has to be restructured. For once you have it, what motivates you to contuinue to excel at a high level. Another problem I have with the current system is that tenure is not earned, it is received simply by working for 4 years. That's rediculous. Tenure has to be awarded based on some type of performance scale and then needs to be reviewed every 3-4 years to make sure the teachers in the classroom are the ones that are best suited to educate our children. There are far too many teachers in the schools today, regardless of district, that have given up on their students. Many of these teachers have been in their position for far too long without changing to meet the current trends or needs of students. That has to change.
Students have standards to meet. So should teachers... and they should be more stringent.
Attached is the link to House bill 4627 that Representative O'Brien introduced last month.
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(itezoyfgz1j1bnzjkypzpdrf))/mileg.aspx?page=BillStatus&objectname=2011-HB-4627
Your post actually talked alot about what Chris and I were discussing yesterday before class! We were talking about all the changes that have been occuring in the educational system lately especially in Michigan and how sometimes things are so contradictory! I definetly think there needs to be some adjustments to tenure as well. It's not fair to other teachers and students if a bad teacher remains in the system because they got alright marks their first 4 years of teaching. There definetly needs to be periodic review of them. And I definetly think the Last In- First Out is not right. Teachers that are fresh out of college and stuff may not have alot of experience, but they do have new teaching styles, classroom management ideas, and technological tools that may be newer and work better. It'll be interesting to see how things change over the years! Liked your post!
ReplyDeleteHi Greg, I read your comment about my blog. First, thanks for expressing your opinion. But, in expressing your opinion, please remember others have a right to theirs. As you mentioned the end result will not be in the grade...My point exactly. If that is the case, why not do away with the grades (hence the total group should basically get A's) And, focus on the main thing growing in our lives as you pointed out in the email you sent me. Greg, there is always going to be gravity. Meaning,some people do not take the class as serious as others. But, that is in everything we do: work, school, home etc. But, the slackers, will ulitmately get the grade out of life they deserve, based on your theory of the main point should be to grow... It is dangerous to weaken the strong, by trying to stengthen the weak.
ReplyDeleteHi Greg, Again I appreciate the comments. Real briefly, the comment about weakening the strong... What I meant was so many great students are focusing on the grades, points and scorings. This is taking away from learning, growing and critical thinking. Which, I believe is one of the things the class is trying to promote. Feel free to respond otherwise, I will see you next week. Again, thanks Greg.
ReplyDeleteHi, Greg. I agree with you. Other professionals do not receive tenure so easily. Physicians are constantly evaluated and retested on their boards periodically. Businesses hire and fire. I agree that this should be true for teachers as well. It is human nature that if the demands are not high people will become relaxed. Students are the highest priority, not the teachers!
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I think teaching is a very difficult job, and I wish the best to those who try it! Susan
I agree that the tenure system needs to change and nice comparison to manufacturing. It is a joke that it is more expensive for districts to fire bad teachers than to hold on to them once they have skated through four years. Merit and work ethic should weigh much more than seniority. I am surprised tenure has lasted as long as it has. I recommend seeing "Waiting for Superman" if you have not already. It describes some of the disasters that tenure and unions have led to. Hopefully this blog response doesn't ruin my digital identity and prevent me from getting a job later lol.
ReplyDeleteI definently agree that the tenure system needs to be changed! I also loved your weebly about the story bird
ReplyDeleteI agree and I think tenure should be removed completely. Teachers should have renewable contracts just like other professionals. And that should apply to university professors as well, because too many times they are not held accountable for poor teaching.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to add that I like your blog, the issues you bring up and the way you write about them :-) I hope you'll continue even after the class is over (that's just a few hours from now).
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