After attending the panel discussion last night on proposed changes to teacher licensure, I'm equally frustrated and encouraged. The discussion was a good one and the panel seemed fair yet pointed. Dr. Bennett didn't really answer any questions and presented a muddled view of what he's trying to do and a very muddled batch of "research" that he says backs up the proposal. In fact, alot of what he said in public seemed in contradiction to what the proposal actually said. He talked a good game about "listening" and collaboration but this hasn't been how we've seen the department behave so far (I do give him credit for showing up and asking folks to formally comment on the DOE website. There are just so many unanswered questions and contradictions that frustration seems to be the general mood. Real questions remain about teaching kids with special needs, kids coming from poverty, kids learning english and a general sense on just what makes a good teacher.
Sadly, the big question now isn't "is this bad for Indiana's kids?" but rather, "just how bad is it going to be?"
Panel debates what makes a good teacher
Updated: Tuesday, 22 Sep 2009, 11:19 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 22 Sep 2009, 11:18 PM EDT
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Indiana's superintendent of schools said the state can do more by opening teaching positions to people with experience outside the classroom. But, to the people there now, outside experience may not be enough. Read More: http://www.wishtv.com/dpp/news/education
Bennett always seems muddled and not very responsive to questions. He is not familiar with the research. What did he cite, by the way?
Posted by: akla | September 25, 2009 at 10:41 AM