Few things in the news

I've caught some things in the news recently that I thought some people might want to pick up on. They're somewhat related to the changing nature of the teaching profession and what we expect from our educators.

WATE: What We Expect From Teachers (same reporter who did the story on the Teacher Advancement Program)
We expect a lot from teachers these days, and this report looks at the issues surrounding these increasing expectations.

Making Local Education Data More Accessible
A group named the Education Consumers Foundation tries to help parents use data in order to help them work with their child's teacher. David Coffey, who generally supports the ECF, recently published THIS GUEST COLUMN in support of Oak Ridge Schools in the context of TN education reform efforts.

Stand for Children, a group based in Nashville, is holding a training TOMORROW, 6/2 at 11 AM CST for parents and child advocates on using the Tennessee data system (TVAAS). You have to join their organization to get access to the training, but it seems interesting.

Education officials met last week in Nashville to talk about the "legacy" of Race to the Top, the $500 million given to the state of TN. Commissioner of Education Tim Webb hopes that the legacy is increasing expectations for education in the state of TN.

Keep your eye on this group, the Education Delivery Institute. Sir Michael Barber, former education advisor to British Prime Minister Tony Blair, spoke at an event at Vanderbilt University (presumably the First Amendment Center) co-sponsored by SCORE's founder Sen. Bill Frist. This article alludes to Gov.Bredesen's interest in Michael Barber.

Also keep your eye on the TN Commission that's revamping the teacher evaluation system. They're meeting regularly.

I know there's a lot out there, but this information seems really relevant as reform really gets underway in TN.

Happy belated Memorial Day to everyone. Thanks to our servicemen and women who protect out way of life.