<p>If only it were that easy. This teacher & her co-teacher are considered by our district to be an amazing duo. They have presented to the school board … they were among the first in our district to do the co-teaching thing (30-some kids in class with large component of LD kids). I have subbed in this room before (always for the teacher I worked WITH this time). Personally, I would not allow my kid in that class … what I expect high school students to learn in language arts is very different than what these teachers teach. Yet they are thought to be really good. Who am I do question? Once again, I am the educational dinosaur in the room …</p>
<p>this is so sad :(</p>
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<p>Pathetic. A teacher is not defined by his penchant for “self-reflectiveness” or ability to <em>write</em> (ha ha) books about his/her experience.</p>
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<p>One of our teachers was named “Teacher of the Year” by our school. I was shocked. My D had a terrible experience in her class - she didn’t teach, she was lazy, she favored certain students, used student graders, was overweight and ate cupcakes in front of the class.</p>
<p>When I heard the announcement I asked what was the procedure for selecting teachers for this award, and was told that they nominate and apply * themselves*. Ok, that makes sense. Her job is secure now. She can relax and eat more cupcakes in class.</p>
<p>" Something just doesn’t add up in his story. I can believe he was a poor reader perhaps, and a cheater, but not totally illiterate."</p>
<p>I realize this is a dead thread and all of these posts are from 2008. I feel compelled to contribute even though most likely no one will read it. </p>
<p>I am about to begin a masters in education program myself. Although not totally illiterate I was quite a poor reader until the age of 15 when I finally caught up to the average, which was not impressive ether. Now at the university level I find that I am unable to pass the assessment exams for reading and writing. On account of that I repeat two remedial English classes every time I transfer schools. So far I have attended four remedial college level English classes and received a B or better in each class. My writing has not improved.</p>
<p>I believe that the story, whether completely falsified or embellished as some of you suspect, has a poignant purpose. It illustrates that children did and continue to get passed through class after class with no real advancement in education. I believe some of that has been rectified with the requirement of students to pass a standardized test to graduate high school. But more can always be done. My remedial English classes are a joke. I would be better served by a more advanced class. </p>
<p>And I believe Johns story. It may be exaggerated for theatrical appeal, but it’s most likely based on truth.</p>