The first problem is the seniority (tenure) system. Smart, creative, energetic young teachers are being laid off due to budget cuts in favor of teachers whose sole qualification seem to be the depth of indentations their butt cheeks leave in the chair because they've been sitting there so long. As a result, there aren't many smart, creative, energetic young teachers who will stick around for another try; they'll put their talents to work elsewhere.
Second problem: the incredibly sorry level of education of the teachers themselves. Years ago, teachers were expected to be skilled in at least the subjects they were teaching; many were skilled in multiple disciplines. Today, my son has to argue with his high school English teacher that "disingenuous" and "disingenious" are two different words -- and she gets angry at him and flatly states he's wrong. But then, she also enjoys eating "watermellon" [sic] Jolly Ranchers candies.
That still doesn't stop her from flunking him out of English. And this is a kid who scored a 6 (very rare high score) on a state writing assessment test.
Slashdot Mirror
The first problem is the seniority (tenure) system. Smart, creative, energetic young teachers are being laid off due to budget cuts in favor of teachers whose sole qualification seem to be the depth of indentations their butt cheeks leave in the chair because they've been sitting there so long. As a result, there aren't many smart, creative, energetic young teachers who will stick around for another try; they'll put their talents to work elsewhere.
Second problem: the incredibly sorry level of education of the teachers themselves. Years ago, teachers were expected to be skilled in at least the subjects they were teaching; many were skilled in multiple disciplines. Today, my son has to argue with his high school English teacher that "disingenuous" and "disingenious" are two different words -- and she gets angry at him and flatly states he's wrong. But then, she also enjoys eating "watermellon" [sic] Jolly Ranchers candies.
That still doesn't stop her from flunking him out of English. And this is a kid who scored a 6 (very rare high score) on a state writing assessment test.