Saturday, November 26, 2011
Local educators are concerned about a new bill that would allow administrators to evaluate and even fire teachers based on their students' test scores.
A bill just passed by the state Legislature that would allow school districts to discipline and even fire teachers based on their students' test scores is coming under fire from area educators who say such results aren't the best gauge of a teacher's abilities. Currently, administrators can use scores on standardized tests like the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Exam (WKCE) to evaluate teacher performance — but only if certain conditions are met. For example, a district that wants to evaluate teachers based on student performance has to develop a multifaceted teacher evaluation plan. However, Senate Bill 95 allows test scores to be used as a factor in discipline, suspension or firing without any of the current conditions. Those scores …
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Strong schools are needed to give students a fighting chance in this tough economy.
News about our economy reinforces just how tough it is in Wisconsin and our nation. A recent study showed that one-third of families are falling out of the middle class. So many families are struggling, and the number of kids in poverty coming through the school door continues to grow. I’ve seen it in the classrooms I’ve visited to kick off the school year. Classes are larger, taught by far fewer experienced teachers, and there is genuine concern for the future of our public schools. This year’s budget balancing was difficult. Next year will be worse. There is no question that the loss of more than $800 million in state aid and $1.6 billion in revenue authority as a result of the 2011-13 state budget will make our schools different. …
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Even though classes aren't in session, youngsters should continue to read books, stay active in the summer months.
The regular school year has ended for most Wisconsin students, but learning opportunities abound during summer vacation. From the state Department of Public Instruction's Summer Library Reading Program to park and recreation events, camps and classes, and educational family vacations, there are many activities to occupy children in the summer. Keeping kids engaged and thinking during the long break from school is important because summer learning loss is a real phenomenon. Some studies say the knowledge and skills children lose over a long school break accounts for half to two-thirds of the achievement gap between children from economically disadvantaged families and their non-disadvantaged peers. Children who are too idle during the …
Bob McBride
7:55 pm on Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Just as with your or anyone else's "rants", Ike, the "in my opinion" part is implied. My opinion just happens to be the correct one. more ›