American Education

Any teacher can see that America has to change the education program somehow and in some way. The schools in the United States are so far behind other countries and their education programs. There has to be a reason why these other countries schools and their students are so advanced especially when it comes down to global education. Through studies and research there have been two factors as to why many argue that schools are not performing well. The financial argument is that the schools that have more money and who can give their staff and students resources that other schools do not have access to have a far better chance of being considered an "effective" or "excellent" rated school. The other factor is the idea of teacher preparation. Is it right to blame the teachers or school system for low test scores and not making AYP (adequate yearly progress)? What exactly is the answer to a better education system in America? I believe that both of these factors are the answer that will lead us to a more positive educational system in America. I tend to be in favor more of a new program that will provide future teachers with the training and preparation that is needed to be a highly qualified teacher. Although I do not like everything that has been spoken about in the education reform plan discussed with Governor Strickland he just may have the change that we need and that maybe atleast Ohio will have successful and accountable schools as a result of these new teacher preparation programs. If you think about it our jobs are as important as any doctor out there. These students lives are in our hands on a daily basis just like that of a surgeon. Something has to change with the teacher preparation system in Ohio and other states. I don't know that we can have a good residency program without the funds to provide teachers with the necessary resources they need to be a good teacher. This is where I find that both are interrelated and that they both play a significant role as to what is the answer for better education in America. Adelle mentioned that only one out of five teachers felt that they were ready for a classroom when beginning their career. Does anyone think something is wrong with this? I have always had a personal issue with this as well. I learned everything I know because I taught kindergarten for ten months before having my license and I had to figure everything out on my own. When I started out there was no mentor to help at all. In fact, the Praxis three was new to everyone and anyone who did try to help me had no clue because they never had to take the Praxis three exam. I remember worrying if I was doing lesson plans, grading, parent communication, conferences the right way. Not one time in the five years that I spent at O.S.U. did I find one class helpful for my career path. In fact, it was not until I started the program at Ashland that I finally felt like I was in school to be a teacher. I cannot speak for everyone but for me there was never any type of teacher preparation classes until I was almost done with the program. I believe that you can give a school all the money they may need BUT if the teachers have not been efficiently trained in the classroom the resources available will not make a difference. Adelle also mentioned some of the things that we as teachers need to do in the 21st century. We cannot modify lessons, give interventions, use better technology, work with I.E.P.'s and other teacher musts if we have not been properly trained. I feel that the residency program discussed in class just may be what we need in our schools in order for them to be more successful. Our career is one of the most important and rewarding professions and it needs to be more respected in our society. I believe we will continue to scratch our heads and wonder why our schools are failing if we do not take action and move towards better teacher preparation.