No Child Left Behind. Now, how can anyone argue with legislation that promises to take care of all children? For one thing, calling this legislation No Child Left Behind [NCLB] is the equivalent of calling the devil, Cool Uncle Lucifer. In addition, NCLB is very one-dimensional. It is so hinged on high stakes testing that it ignores other important variables that impact student achievement. In fact, contextual variables are barely recognized as important and teachers are only considered with respect to their credentials. To be sure, teachers should have the appropriate credentials. On the other hand, anyone who has ever come in contact with another person who is supposedly brilliant, but at the same time, a complete ass, should know that teaching credentials are not the end all of what it takes to be an effective teacher.
Let's face it, smart people can make it through a teacher education program, finish with an impressive G.P.A. and still be an ineffective teacher. Why? Well, because to be a good teacher you also need a high degree of emotional intelligence. Of course, we don't test for emotional intelligence [EI]. And, whether or not EI can be taught is an empirical question which has not been sufficiently answered yet. Still, if we are being honest about teachers who make a difference, I don't believe the quality of their transcript is what we would be reflecting upon.
I believe this problem is in part fueled by our preference for all things masculine. In spite of dramatic gains lead by the feminist movement, occupations that are considered "female" are still undervalued. Teaching is no exception here. It is a profession where you need to be both highly qualified in terms of content and highly adept at listening, understanding, and adapting your methods to meet the needs of a wide range of student needs. NCLB values the content knowledge part but not so much the interpersonal EI side. Perhaps it is because the EI aspect of teaching is considered "feminine". And, in our society, it is difficult to be considered both professionally competent and feminine at the same time.
1 comment:
I think the NCLB isn't really an inititative that is suppose to help students. I think its a conspriacy set up by the government to justify a reason to punish students who come from adverse backgrounds. I mean, afterall, why would you REDUCE funding to failing schools. If anything, you would want to INCREASE that funding, so that better teachers, and better resources could be put in those locations to better the students chances.
Its all in my thesis.. :)
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