"Instead [of when students are caught cheating receive an automatic zero or failing grade on that assignment), teachers and school officials would set a different consequence so that student behavior doesn't pull down grades.
Students would be given homework, but teachers wouldn't grade all assignments.
Students who turn in late work wouldn't receive a lower grade under the proposed policies, in an effort to get students to finish the work rather than just take a bad grade and move on."
Recently there was discussion about our local Hillsborough County Public Schools Board changing the homework policy. Frequently, the public comments contain some pretty good ideas. In the above link, one person who claims to be a teacher wrote "This program WILL NOT WORK, with students who DON'T CARE".
According to the article, apparently there is some concern about grading "behavior" vs. grading "knowledge". In other words, is it fair to give a zero grade for knowledge just because a kid didn't do their homework?
For those who propose that homework is "practice" for the "game", check this out. To make it educationally relevant, substitute the word "homework" every time he says "practice" (20 times). Pay close attention to the last sentence: "How the hell can I make my teammates better by practicing".
The article also has this:
"The philosophy behind Plano's proposal is not aimed at diminishing student accountability or reducing academic rigor, said Jim McMillan, an education professor at Virginia Commonwealth University."
I had to read that sentence slowly a few times. The main reason I had to read it slowly several times was because it took me a while to run through my memory bank of how many different times I have heard from the education establishment that students and parents are not held accountable.
If School Boards think that homework policies are educationally relevant (provide your own definition of educationally relevant), then why don't they apply that same policy to their teachers? No more behavior of grading papers at home. No more behaviors of lesson plans. And just think, merit pay would not be based on a behavior either. Merit pay would simply be based on "consistent and specific feed back".
You teachers need to take this to your union, I mean association, and get this in the works. One sure fire way to get it passed is to tie the Superintendent's bonus to every teacher that doesn't have to do "home work". You will be amazed at the statistical outcomes.
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4 comments:
HMMMM
I read on another blog that Jack Davis was going to take of the Executive Director job at the CTA when Yvonne Lyons retires this year.
I think its the same Jack Davis mentioned in the Erwin care.
Think I'll pass on looking for help with the CTA.
My take of the CTA is that it provides liability insurance to individual employees.
Otherwise, the CTA deals with "group management", therefore decisions are based on group numbers is how I see it. "Good teachers" are lumped in with "bad teachers" and raises are based on what the budget line item will be for the masses.
Safety in numbers means giving up individual performance is how I read the tea leaves.
What do you think?
As far as Mr. Davis goes, I dealt with him for a few years. Some good, some not so good.
The system is what it is, despite what I have to say.
I agree that the CTA has to represent all AND has to protect itself. Personally I feel that they have gone overboard protecting themselves almost to the point of getting in bed with the district.
The Eskay guy is proof that the district has the power to silence opposition. He has turned out to be a coward. I have no respect for him.
Care to comment?
It takes a heck of a lot of financial, emotional and intellectual resources to fight back. And time.
There are too many variables that I would need to know.
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