Reply #11: I am One of the 6,000 LA Teachers Scapegoated

[AguaAzul]

I am one of those 6,000 teachers and while I was pissed off at first (and cancelled my subscription to the Times), I am now less stressed though in a quandary about how to proceed. Obviously, based on flawed data on an inaccurate measure of my effectiveness as an educator, I did not come out well in the database.

I have always worked in the inner city with English Language Learners. I have no way of knowing if wrong answers were due to the students' not understanding the question (due to limited English), lack of knowledge, or simply lack of interest. The Times wants to judge my ability on THAT?!?!

I have always thought educating children involved more than teaching to the test. I follow the COMPLETE curriculum and also strive to meet the socio-emotional and psychological needs of my diverse students. While most of my colleagues have had the assistance of paraprofessionals, I did not for ALL THE YEARS of the study (if you can call it that). This is not even getting into the teaching to the test and even cheating that goes on when nobody monitors the teacher during and after the test.

I could raise test scores if that is all they want (teach to the test only). My dad and wife suggest I start playing the game. I am left in a moral dilemna. Do I do what I believe is right or what will take the pressure off? Thankfully, I moved to a new school and a grade where I don't have to administer the state tests anymore. I welcome any feedback or questions.