By Tom

Quick, what's eight-ninths of twenty-seven? If you solved it like my third graders, you divided the total by the denominator and then multiplied by the numerator. 27 divided by 9 is three; three times eight equals 24. It's pretty easy, right?

Actually, no it isn't. At least not for third graders. For my students, that problem was fairly difficult. Rigorous, if you will. It was a hard lesson to teach, but most of them finally got it.

Our district switched to a new math curriculum this year. It's more rigorous. Way more rigorous. And that's a good thing, according to all the school reform gurus, including Arne Duncan, our new Secretary of Education. He wants to implement high, nation-wide standards in lieu of the piecemeal, state-by-state approach that we're using now. He also thinks we should have a longer school year, which in an astounding display of poor timing, he announced just last week.

Meanwhile, back in my district, we had to cancel summer school this year. Guess why? That's right, as soon as we switch to a tougher math curriculum, we find out that we can't afford to offer summer school for the kids who need more time to learn it.

So here's an idea:

Continue reading →

 By Tom

It was pretty obvious to most of us that the relationship between Randy Dorn, Washington's new Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the state legislature didn’t get off to a perfect start. Shortly after taking office, he announced sweeping changes to the state assessment system; changes made without much input from the legislature.

They weren’t happy. But we didn’t know the extent of their unhappiness until just last week, when the House and the Senate each passed massive education bills. Which, according to verse three of Schoolhouse Rock’s “I’m Just a Bill,” meant that the two houses then got to switch papers so that they could scrutinize and criticize each other’s work.

I looked at these bills and quickly became overwhelmed. They’re really long. Remember, I teach third grade all day. Anything longer than a paragraph freaks me out. So I decided to focus on the section about accountability: how the state is going to make sure our students learn. And for the most part, I like what I see.

Continue reading →

By Tom

Every pay-for-performance scheme I've ever explored (including the corpse of HB 1410) relies to some degree on student performance as an indication of teacher performance. That's why I will always oppose these schemes. Teaching is more than increasing test scores. Way, way more. Test scores are a great tool, when used correctly, but they are not the point.

Continue reading →

By Tom

We need to talk, Mr. HB 1440/SB 5444. That's right, you; the bill that's poised to completely reshape education in Washington State. I've got several problems to discuss.

First of all, I don't like your compensation system. Mostly because you decided to stop encouraging teachers to pursue advanced degrees. Teachers value education. That's why they're teachers, for crying out loud. And to have you tell them that just because there's no data proving that a teacher with a master's degree performs better in the classroom is an ironic slap in the face. Because they all know that there's a million things that good teachers do everyday for which there will never be any data. Things that you learn about in graduate school.

Put simply, people want smart teachers; and you get smart by going to school. That's the very premise of an education system. Did you forget that?

Continue reading →

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.

Continue reading →

Yes We Can build a comprehensive long-term vision for basic education funding while dealing with the current economic crisis in a way that supports school funding.

Two months ago, I went to Olympia to testify before the Basic Ed Funding Task Force. As the proposal was finalized, I was shocked to learn the policymakers had not been more inclusive of the Full Funding Coalition (WEA, AWSP, PSEW, WASA, WSSDA). The members are essential to any education policy decision. What were you thinking?

Last night, I came home from yet another 12-hour day to a slew of emails from my state association against HB 1410/SB 5444. I don’t expect to agree on every topic, but I do expect my association to refrain from setting up win/lose situations, especially on a policy that isn’t a simple, isolated item. These bills are attempting to address deep inadequacies in basic education funding in a comprehensive way. What are you thinking trying to kill them rather then negotiating through their content?
Legislators and union leaders – We Can Do Better! Our students do not need a political battle to the death that leaves them the losers. They need an honest negotiation of a multi-faceted policy.
That’s the most important message I have, but if you’d care to hear more about a few specifics in HB 1410/SB 5444 and the Full Funding Coalition’s bill SB 5607 that will soon be discussed in Olympia, read on.

Continue reading →