Take it from a teacher -- school has changed

[antigop]

http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/08/15/4184299/take-it-from-a-teacher-school.html

I recently found myself drawn into an online debate about the merits of public schools.

The person I was conversing with claimed to be a former college professor and the husband of a public school teacher. He advocated privatizing the entire educational system, arguing that private, for-profit companies are better able to operate efficiently.

Six years ago, I might have agreed with him. I spent almost 25 years in the business world and was very critical of our failed educational system. I felt that schools had moved away from their mission of education. I believed I could fix the system, but the money just wasn't in teaching.

The economy took a bad turn, and I found myself out of work. I became a teacher.

I entered my class determined to teach the way I was taught. It took one day to realize this would not be possible. The world has changed in the last 30 years, and so have the students.

<edit> fixed link

[NYC_SKP]

1. Hello. The world changes every year these days. That's the main problem.

The world, the learner demographic, kids' needs, families, career sector needs, every damn thing changes at an accelerating rate.

And no singular educational institution, private, public, public charter, private charter, can really keep up with it.

The one thing I know: it will take a combination of approaches and options to serve our students.

NYC_SKP

[proud2BlibKansan]

3. I've said this for years.

The powers that be never seem to get it.

[virgogal]

2. He says public schools spend about $5,000.00 per year per pupil,where I live it's $13,400.00.The

figure he mentions makes no sense.

[proud2BlibKansan]

4. Per pupil cost is usually confusing.

There are so many different pots of money. I don't think there is such a thing as an accurate figure.

[Igel]

5. It has.

Before ~ After

ability tracked ~ no tracking

English proficient or ESL ~ SEI

adjustable curriculum ~ set curriculum

squishy scope/sequence ~ set S&S

few controls from district ~ district tests every X weeks

teach how you want ~ must be student-centered, but not too student centered

Etc.