By Tom
My colleague Kelly posted a wonderful review of HB 1410/SB 5444, which, as she pointed out, is causing quite a stir among teachers, especially within the WEA. Kelly challenged us to "Pick a passion and carve out a piece of the negotiation." So that's what I'll do.
There's a lot to like and a lot to dislike about these bills. (Frankly, there's a lot to read, which is why it's taken us so long to respond to them.) What I like most is the focus on early education. What I dislike most is the timing. Our state is looking at an $8 billion budget hole. Therefore, everything in these bills (and every other bill brought up during this session) will be evaluated in that context. That said, let's assume that parts of these bills will actually be judged solely on their merit, regardless of cost. (Author's note: I've since learned that there isn't any money at all in this bill.)
Given that premise, I'll focus on something that disappoints me more than I thought it would. If passed, Washington State will phase out the practice of compensating teachers for getting a master's degree. Instead, there'll be a new salary scale, which will reward teachers based almost entirely on their demonstration of effective teaching skills. Now, I certainly don't have a problem with paying for those skills that will lead to increased student learning. I've already put up several posts to that effect. But I like things in balance. Specifically, these things: knowledge, skills and dispositions.