Identify education's problems, then fix them
The education policy professionals have one view of what ails education, and teachers in the trenches have another. The scary thing is that it's the teachers that are in the students' lives everyday, and if they are not excited about being in the classroom, how can they motivate their students? You can't give from an empty cup. Somehow, the policy makers don't seem to get it.
Last week, the governor convened an education summit aimed at having participants think outside the box to improve education. Their solutions to the problem included the need for more funding, more "highly qualified teachers," higher standards, staff development and the biggie — more accountability. A top priority was "data-gathering." They never got out of the box.
By contrast, a recent Utah study on teacher supply and demand revealed we do not have a teacher shortage, rather a retention problem. The study found people were no longer rushing to the profession and many were eager to jump ship. Several teachers wrote agreeing with the findings and indicated they were leaving, or had left, because of the lack of support and working conditions.
Teachers are no longer supported in the classroom by the parents, administrators or the Legislature. Similar comments came from other retirees. Some legislators also commented on how teachers are neglected.
There is a tendency for policy makers to dismiss teacher complaints as sour grapes because of the low wages they feel the Legislature gives out. But, the teachers are not complaining about the money — they are talking about the work environment.
The disparity between what policy makers and line workers see as the problem is the problem. How you define a problem defines the solution. Each group sees it with their own eyes.
America is in danger of losing its position as a world power because of its faltering education system. Yet, our leaders continue to select the usual interest groups (the "stakeholders") to make decisions, thus assuring the status quo. Globalization requires fresh thinking. To do nothing is to relegate our nation to a third-rate status. Our educational system is outdated and the quality of life we have enjoyed is no longer a given. Leaders must act in our national interest. Doing nothing should not be an option.
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