The No Child Left Behind Act requires every teacher of every major
subject, in every single skrool, to be "highly qualified." So, how’s it
going?
Well on one side we’ve got the law, giving states until the end of this
school year to make sure its teachers are in compliance. For core
classes like math, science, and language, teachers must have a
bachelor’s degree, a state license or certificate, and demonstrate their
competence in every subject they teach. On the other side we’ve got
three million teachers, unions, and a bunch of politicians beholden to
those unions.
Now adding to the equation, the No Child’s Behind law gives states
leeway to define “highly qualified” teachers. That, according to
education experts, is the problem. States are running into opposition
when they suggest that teachers take tests to prove their
qualifications. Tom Blanford with the National Education Association
says: “If teachers were forced to pass tests, the number of
take-this-job-and-shove-it notices that school districts would receive
would be staggering.” Teachers, say the experts, find the idea they
might be tested on their own knowledge “unrealistic” and “demeaning.”
Yes, "demeaning."
Of course they’ve got a point. Taking tests is demeaning. If you don’t
believe me, ask your kids! Failing tests is even more demeaning. School
is demeaning! I mean, what could possibly justify asking teachers to
demean themselves, injure their self-esteem, so they can teach a bunch
of kids who don’t want to learn anyway? To ensure we promote healthy
self-esteem for students and teachers, I suggest we ban tests
altogether, for everybody! Leave no teacher – or teachers -- behind!