Expect More, Achieve More

Heads-up: (1) Soap box, (2) In the news, and (3) Listening about effective teachers

(1) Soap box
The bar has gone up.

Unless you've been living under a rock, you probably know that we're expecting more from education in Tennessee. Students have higher expectations (higher graduation requirements, more rigorous tests). Teachers have higher expectations (new evaluation system, evaluated every year). All eyes are on Tennessee. Tennessee is at the cutting edge for education reform--pretty exciting.

We can already see that certain things are on the upswing.
Tennessee has moved up in its ranking about the well-being of our children. When some of these basic indicators improve, I would argue some of that would be attributed to the improving state of education in Tennessee.

Some of these conversations get caught-up in the debate about whether or not the "data-driven accountability movement" is a good thing. For instance, DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee fired over 200 teachers after the implementation of a new teacher evaluation system. The National Urban League and NAACP criticized Obama's administration for being too focused on high-stakes accountability. It's been pretty clear to me that, as this project has evolved, no one agrees on anything with education. That, everyone, is something we can all agree on :-)

I am biased, yes. I think all students deserve a great education. That means supporting teacher effectiveness. That ALSO means supporting parental involvement in education. That also means encouraging positive behavior in the classroom. That also means supporting after-school programs that reinforce learning.

But what we're finally seeing is a state standing up and saying, "We want more from education." We don't always want to be ranked between 45 - 50 in the nation in all the educational rankings. The "Expect More, Achieve More" campaign is not just about more rigorous tests, in my mind. It's about standing up and saying, "We're ready to do anything necessary to ensure that our students get a better education." It's the law. We have to get there. We owe it to our kids. It's not about placing blame, making excuses, and getting frustrated.

It's about working together to improve education.

(2) News
STUFF IN THE NEWS:

Differentiated pay for teachers in Kingsport, TN, in order to comply with Race to the Top.

Race to the Top money: What's it being spent on?
Another good Chattanooga-centric Race to the Top article. Talk about transparency.

United Way of Greater Knoxville and the League of Women Voters hosts school board candidate forum.

First United Way of Greater Knoxville Regional Coalition meeting held.

Teachers learn about abstract concepts thanks to Maryville College and Pellissippi State.

Pittsburgh really wants to invest in teachers.

Kingsport goes "Straight to the Top."

Innovation Valley works to give teachers in-services that help them communicate relevance to students about content areas.

(3)
LISTENING ABOUT EFFECTIVE TEACHERS:
[If you want to do a session with a group of about 5-10 people about what makes an effective teacher, let me know: luterg@unitedwayknox.org]

I've met with a group of teachers, first time parents, and police officers about what makes a teacher effective, and I picked up a few things that I thought I'd share. I didn't anticipate learning all this stuff, but that's what happens when the community voice is heard--that's one major dimension of my project!

1. Teachers need support. We know it's not all about the money. Simple "pats on the back" and encouragement go a long way. If teachers feel like all they hear is complaining from constituent groups and administrators, it doesn't motivate them to be great in the classroom.
2. Some teachers are encouraged to take PRAXIS tests so that they can teach outside of their specialty areas...so sometimes teachers don't always end up teaching subjects they're completely comfortable with.
3. Good teachers care about students and care about being in school. Common sense, maybe, but it seems like people really don't like it when teachers write off certain students because they don't understand something the first time or talk about how much they can't wait until they get a break from the students over a break / weekend (a student commented that when their teacher puts a "Countdown to Fall/Winter/Spring Break," it makes them think that the teacher can't wait to get out of school and get away from them).
4. Professional development and in-services, which provide on-going professional training to teachers, is best done within the school meeting specific needs of teachers. Things perceived to be "useless seminars" aren't helpful, but sometimes they're just used in order to fulfill requirements. Teachers know what they need, and it's up to their school leadership to provide it for them in the building.