This was written in response to Diane Ravitch's article on the ambitious ruthless Rhee. Please read the article by pressing on the link (above).
I always thought that Florida's bribes...I mean, incentives, to raise test scores, offering each obsessed...I mean, "successful" teacher $2000 per annum, would not persuade many public educators to become state-test-obsessed.
But, $8000 a year!?!
That could pay off a car. Pay for one semester of college tuition. Buy a LOT of furniture.
Even to THIS state-test-despising public school teacher, there might be a slight temptation, not to cheat, but I might certainly be swayed to prep and prep and prep and prep...
I have heard the "news" that there are teachers in CALIFORNIA making over six figures a year.
This makes people angry.
True, many public school teachers deserve it, especially with the EXTREME pressure they are under to meet the unrealistic demands placed upon them by administrators, like the dispossessed Rhee.
However, I have not found ONE public school teacher who makes this kind of money.
And what a laugh, when people talk about teachers RETIRING with 6 figures!!
8000 additional dollars would push a teacher's annual salary somewhat closer to the 100K mark.
Since the public seems to become OUTRAGED every time they hear about teachers making any amount of decent money (THEY do not deem to be fair or deserved) why has the public NOT attacked Ms. Rhee for these "incentives", which do NOT increase REAL public school teaching, but instead simply promote more state-test-obsession and time spent in core curriculum classes teaching and teaching and teaching test-taking strategies???
How about...we add $8000 a year to the salaries of teachers who do REAL things that work, like teacher-made and student inspired tutoring programs, instead of "canned" tutoring programs (these are the only after-school tutoring programs teachers can get paid to facilitate in many districts)?
Or, Ms. Rhee...how about AIDES for teachers, especially now that budget cuts have added, in some cases nearly 1/3 MORE students per class?
Even part time would be nice.
The idea expressed in this quote from the above article is especially familiar:
"She [Rhee] incentivized desperate behavior by principals and teachers trying to save their jobs and meet their targets and comply with their boss' demands."
Post NCLB public school teachers have become part of a dog show in a circus.
Each year, since the insanity of NCLB regulations and outside-district-controls have increased, more hoops have been placed in our path. They are higher off the ground, near the roof of the circus tent where the flies and fairy-dust reside.
Teaching has been reduced to something less authentic less compassionate less crafted.
In my opinion, in the world of public education, Rhee has become the equivalent of a "tiger-Mom".
That is NOT a compliment.
SIDE NOTE: Someone IS making six figures because of their involvement in public education. If you want to take a peek to see how much MONEY Ms. Rhee rakes in to spread her ideas, take a peek at this piece:
http://educationclearinghouse.wordpress.com/2011/10/29/why-do-people-pay-this-woman-michelle-rhee-rakes-it-in/
SIDE NOTE: Someone IS making six figures because of their involvement in public education. If you want to take a peek to see how much MONEY Ms. Rhee rakes in to spread her ideas, take a peek at this piece:
http://educationclearinghouse.wordpress.com/2011/10/29/why-do-people-pay-this-woman-michelle-rhee-rakes-it-in/
Failed policies, scandal...
WOW! I WANT YOUR JOB!!!!
