I'm a teacher. I know where I stand on the issue. I'm interested to hear what the people of the nation think.
201105
it puts too much emphasis on testing. we all know that all students are different and to develop standards and test them for students is way off base. bush and his administration has it all wrong when it comes to education.\n\nthe gates foundation approach of developing smaller schools so that teachers get to know their students if much better. if teachers know their students then they can teach them based on what they know about person.\n\nchildren are unique, indviduals and we should treat them as such. NCLB and its emphasis on standards and testing makes children seem like robots.
214210
I think these days, teachers are being forced to "teach towards the test" only.  In my state specifically, being an intellectually well-rounded student means nothing as long as your state test scores look good.  Previously, students were learning to successfully function in society, as well as to do well on tests, but the inverse seems to be in practice today.  No one is teaching courtesy, chivalry, or common sense to kids these days, which I think are imperative to becoming good citizens.  Teachers, in my opinion, are really getting a raw deal now.  Reproaching students by calling parents or punishing them doesn't seem to be working either.  OK, getting back to the teaching topic... one excellent teaching technique is to become as personable with students as possible.  That, in turn, will give students an initiative to learn.  I have had some horrible experiences with teachers that just don't care and have expressed this to students.  I definitely think that teachers these days are on the defensive and this a stark contrast from 20 years ago when the teacher acted more like a second mother to students than a disciplinarian only.
636577
I COMPLETELY agree.  I've been pretty lucky.  I know exactly how my local government works, and I have participated actively.  If more students were exposed at a younger age to the basic structure of their hometown government, I think there would be more people to make positive changes the right way.
196050
Who are you addressing this appeal to?\n\nWhen I did mine, I gave a brief summary of what I was asking for, gave supporting evidence, let them know that if they needed more I could supply it, and ended with a request for a fair decision.\n\nBe concise, and try not to criticize the teacher or their curriculum.  But at the same time, don't gloss over the details.\n\nAnd yes, the appeal went in my favor.
437479
I think it is a great idea.  If the public schools don't do their job, as judged by the parents, the parents should get their per pupil allotment in a voucher to use elsewhere.\n\nIncentive for the school to do better, ability for our children to get better education if private schools can do it better for the same amount.
316918
yes and no I believe anyone can come here if they do it right,I also believe that there needs to be some kind of classes or something for them so they can better understand the law.this way they can learn the right way.No i dont agree with Pres. Bush he aint no man of GOD to say the things that he said.What differance should it make if they did it the right way.
649219
It's not working ANYWHERE!!  Not only are the politicians and policies leaving the children behind...but they are leaving the parents behind as well!!  (Every time we send an American Job overseas, we lose a job here, which in turn reduces taxes collected to fund the programs the government establishes.)  With regard to the NCLB bill, it was designed to establish better accountability, funding, state assessments etc. throughout the country.  Not only has this not been done in the state of NY, but also the track record of NCLB is null...there isn't one.  Have you seen the literacy rate in the state of FL?  Isn't that Jeb Bush's state?  I could write a book on this topic since I volunteer many hours within our local public school system.  The funding isn't available, the accountability isn't there, and there are NO checks and balances for this program.  It is a great idea, and could have promise if it were properly implemented and funded; but that has yet to happen.  \n\nBottom line, you aren't alone...we are ALL in the same boat here\n!
442826
Good point, but if you have a complaint about the ways a school teaches, try talking the school board or school administrators.\n\n;-)
334397
It's OK, but I would start by introducing the topic. "The idea of requiring potential voters to take and pass a test before being allowed to vote is a controversial one. My team and I concur that this is an unfair requirement which violates many American's constitutional rights."
663984
We currently have a dysfunctional school board that spends all of its time arguing with and dissing other members of the board.  Last fall, a major school bond issue failed, because voters have no trust in the board.  We have recently gotten a new superintendent and I hope that he will be able to turn things around.
561958
I taught in a public school for three years.  The "powers that be" actually told me to stop grading for grammatical and spelling errors, saying all of my students would fail.  That is a travesty.  From my perspective as a teacher, ignorance (which is what I believe you are really asking) is on the rise.  Despite compulsory education, it almost appears to me that we are reverting to a 19th century-like model with an educated few and masses of ignorance.
399401
We would "just teach" if we were allowed to. Unfortunately, the powers that be dictate to us what we can and cannot teach.  Classes are now geared towards the children being able to pass exit level examinations and just for education for education's sake. It's not the teachers fault, its something that begins at the Federal level.
586946
who cares what people at school think-you know the truth and that is all that matters!\ngood for you
493164
No, because it's not right for teachers to influence students to believe what they believe.  Also, if a teacher was, say, Buddhist, and a student was say, Christian, or if the teacher was, say Democratic, and she talked about how she felt about the President, it might upset the student that the teacher is so different and that might be what they focus on instead of learning from the teacher.  We tend to look down on people who's religions are different, and if a student looks down at a teacher, how's he or she going to learn anything?  If the student is mad at what the teacher said to attack the President, wouldn't that take away from the concentration on the lesson?\n\nMy social studies teacher said that his goal was to not let anyone find out what he believes, if anything, or his political party, if he has one.That way, we will only judge him as an intelligent teacher instead of what he believes.
659734
It's a GREAT idea. Public schools had better start paying attention or there will be no public schools. Plus, have you seen tuition at a Hebrew School?
548104
Yes.  They're already paying.  I pay ungodly school tax and then I have to pay for everything in the class and everything my son does at the school.  I think the entire school system should be privatized.  The bureaucracy is wasting the money anyway.  Then we're left with teachers "teaching for the test".  I just had a meeting with my son's teacher and she said she had to use the "PLORE method" to learn to read, because studies show it makes them score better on the state test.  It also teaches them to hate reading, but who cares?  It's a mess.  I could pay for private with our school tax money.  It's enough.\n\nDid I mention I also have to sell unwanted junk to my friends for their fundraiser?  I might of forgot that.  Do I seem upset?  LOL
94746
This probably isn't going to be much help, but this is my best experience. \n\nA lady that I used to work with has taught in many urban settings. She talked about working with people from Teach for America. Her view on it was always favorable. \n\nHope that helps.