Children are the future. They are each
potential doctors, lawyers, politicians and scientists. Yet for such valuable
resources it is surprising the kinds of hands we place their minds into. There
is reason to believe that over the last couple of decades the quality of K-12
teachers has declined, a phenomenon that should alarm every parent in America.
If our teachers are not properly prepared for their jobs why should we expect
our children to be?
Recently the American Federation ofTeachers has proposed that all aspiring teachers take an entrance exam similar
to the bar exam lawyers must take.
A nationwide test that examined not
only the teacher’s knowledge on certain subjects but also their level of
caring, competence and confidence would go a long way in separating the good
teachers from the not so good teachers. Holding our teachers to a high
standardized level of education, experience and emotional stability is necessary
to ensure the future of our nation.
As it is now each state has a different
set of criteria a person must meet before they are allowed to teach. Every
state requires at least a bachelor’s degree and varying amounts of time spent
in the classroom. The AFT has in the works a plan to get rid of all those
different tests and evaluations and to replace them with one standardized
teaching bar exam/requirements.
Is this a good idea? In many ways it
is. President of the AFT, Randi Weingarten, has outlined three basic provisions
of such a program. First, all parties would have to agree on the standards.
This part may be difficult to coordinate as there are several current standards
they must sift through and determine which are useful and which are a waste of
time.
Secondly, all teachers would take the
same assessments. Currently some teachers attain certification through
traditional means by completing an accredited teacher education program. Others
earn their certification through alternative means, usually a potpourri of
course and fieldwork.
The last provision of the exam is that
the teachers and teacher educators would govern it. This is the most important
change in the system that the exam provides. Weingarten argues that for too
long too much of the education business has been controlled by testing
companies instead of what the profession thinks is important. Medicine, law and
engineering are all regulated by the profession so why not teaching?
The understanding is no one knows
better than a teacher what makes a good teacher. Opponents to this exam claim
that tests are not sure fire ways to determine the effectiveness of a teacher
and this is true.
However, these critics are not taking
into account that teachers will create this proposed exam for other teachers.
When constructing the exam, and the its supporting requirements, they will know
what specific traits to look for and what environments to train the future
teachers in to make them as effective as possible.
There is fear that creating too many
hoops for hopefuls to jump through (especially considering the low financially
return) will deter potential teachers. Yes, some college students will look at
the list of requirements and opt for a career in business or medicine instead.
I myself have given great thought to whether or not I’d like to make coupon
clipping a serious part of my future.
As
inconvenient as they may be, these hoops are necessary. Weingarten points out that the countries that out compete the U.S prepare their teachers like the U.S prepares its doctors.
There should be no disgruntlement at the thought of making sure our teachers
are as prepared as our doctors. Of course it would help if teachers were paid
like doctors but that is another discussion.
A
dangerous rebuttal to the above argument is that the U.S is doing just fine in
the global market. It has the highest GDP so why is everyone worrying about
education, teachers, and test scores?
Well
it takes time for the effects of such neglect to become noticeable. There will
come a time when the generation of children who did not learn to think
critically, explore the sciences or see themselves as global citizens will
emerge into the workforce. It will become difficult for the U.S to continue to
compete with countries whose workforce is filled with sharp and skilled young people.
We need good teachers. Instead of
punishing teachers who don’t perform well creating a universal system that
gives teachers all the tools they need to help their students succeed is the
right way to go. This proposed bar exam is a good starting point. There should
be a high standard. We cannot afford anything else.
