Arne Duncan was originally appointed, with little to no experience in education, by Mayor Daley as the CEO of Chicago Public Schools. "(Y)ou deserve to be respected, valued, and supported." Arne Duncan, now the U.S.'s Secretary of Education (Obama), is quoted saying in his recent letter to educators. Although, the words sound beautiful on paper, regretfully the actions are not as loud as words. With "reform" programs supporting policies such as merit pay, budget cuts, and larger class sizes, there is less respect and support for teachers as Arne suggests.
Teachers have been demanding recognition and appreciation for the great things we do on the front lines. So, thank you Arne for openly acknowledging this. I am an optimist with a half-full glass whenever it can be. I only hope this is the beginning of continued support and respect for the profession. As you state your recognition that "(Y)ou have told me you believe that the No Child Left Behind Act has prompted some schools—especially low-performing ones—to teach to the test, rather than focus on the educational needs of students. Because of the pressure to boost test scores, NCLB has narrowed the curriculum, and important subjects like history, science, the arts, foreign languages, and physical education have been de-emphasized. And you are frustrated when teachers alone are blamed for educational failures that have roots in broken families, unsafe communities, misguided reforms, and underfunded schools systems. You rightfully believe that responsibility for educational quality should be shared by administrators, community, parents, and even students themselves." Yet based on behavior patterns, I am forced to hold my breath. One responder summarized what many of the 149 responses to Arne's letter said, "You sir, are not an educator but a politician who can say what you will, but we teachers know the truth of what you stand for. We see all that you have done toward the goal of privatizing education." Until then, we hold our breath and take each day in the classroom by day. Below is an eloquent (must-read!) response to Arne Duncan's letter.
Teachers have been demanding recognition and appreciation for the great things we do on the front lines. So, thank you Arne for openly acknowledging this. I am an optimist with a half-full glass whenever it can be. I only hope this is the beginning of continued support and respect for the profession. As you state your recognition that "(Y)ou have told me you believe that the No Child Left Behind Act has prompted some schools—especially low-performing ones—to teach to the test, rather than focus on the educational needs of students. Because of the pressure to boost test scores, NCLB has narrowed the curriculum, and important subjects like history, science, the arts, foreign languages, and physical education have been de-emphasized. And you are frustrated when teachers alone are blamed for educational failures that have roots in broken families, unsafe communities, misguided reforms, and underfunded schools systems. You rightfully believe that responsibility for educational quality should be shared by administrators, community, parents, and even students themselves." Yet based on behavior patterns, I am forced to hold my breath. One responder summarized what many of the 149 responses to Arne's letter said, "You sir, are not an educator but a politician who can say what you will, but we teachers know the truth of what you stand for. We see all that you have done toward the goal of privatizing education." Until then, we hold our breath and take each day in the classroom by day. Below is an eloquent (must-read!) response to Arne Duncan's letter.
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