Michigan Votes Forum

 How about mandating that Teachers be tested to see if they can teach?  My experience that most don't care if the children learn, they just want their paycheck.

Some are "real" teachers and will take the time for the kids, but I am afraid they are in the minority.

Or pay them based on the number of students they teach who manage to pass.  Probably too drastic a measure to expect results for paying them.

Teachers are required to take a test to assure knowledge in a specialized area. This meets the requirements of NCLB to be "highly qualified". Teachers are highly underpaid for the amount of work and stress they have to handle on a daily bases. There is no argument that there are "bad" teachers out there. They are not paid enough to just do their jobs for a paycheck. There are many factors that play into a child's education and the teachers’ role is one part. But there are environmental factors that a teacher is unable to 100% address. Maybe you should step into a class on 2nd graders and observe a teacher doing there job. Managing the behaviors of 30 + students is a challenge... and you have to educate them as well.

Failing schools loose money. They are not able to pay their staff as well nor have equipment and basic supplies to educate the student. Over coming these barrier would be easier with a class of 17 compared to a class of 30 +

 I have stepped into the class room, from grades 1- 12 for my kids and my grandkids also.

I am fortunate to have been taught by old nuns, that were not interested in moving into management, and they taught 35 kids day in day out every day.

Despite being a C type student, after high school testing I came out with the equivalent of 3 and 1/2 years of college.  Either a miracle happened somewhere along the way between High School graduation, and the testing I underwent, the teaching was up to the teacher and it was up to the student to learn.  Maybe it is the presentation??

I stand by my original remarks.