Tuesday, November 8, 2011

“Science Gets an ‘F’. High Hopes—Few Opportunities.”

Sharon Norguchi. BANG. “...81% of teachers blames math and English for stealing time from science/technology...44% of principals sees merit including science...85% of teachers lacks training, 60% of districts has no dedicated science staff...CA 4th grade at national bottom...” Yet, “...10% of schools offers quality science education...”

Kudos to those districts and educators who provide vigorous/apt curricula for their students! This is the difference between quality teachers (and principals) and those quasi educators who show up to dabble at teaching. Further, the failing educators (and principals) are responsible for a retrogressive prosperity, explosive (literally) citizen inequality, and the current, toxic public safety issue.

“High Hopes” is laudatory. “Few Opportunities” is negligent and unprofessional. All teachers study for the same credential, study both science and social studies as it should be taught to students, and assist their own children in both subjects. Informational reading is returning to quality schools so science, social studies, technology are taught/learned through English/language arts.

“Hey, are you a sub? Can you watch my class for 5 minutes so I can refill my coffee? Mrs. A and I do this all the time.” The across-the-way teacher was gone for a half-hour—during which I ran between 2 classrooms monitoring/teaching 60+ students. I declined his second request.

“Hi, I’m the teacher from next door, do you have a video to show my students, they’re (middle schoolers) are driving me bonkers today...GREAT! Bug’s Life is perfect! Thanks, you’re a life-saver.”

“Eventually, the only students in college will be from private schools or those who are home-schooled, certainly the ones who’ll be getting scholarships!” prophesied a young mom.

If failing public school teachers allot for time-wasters (pageants, seasonal song fests, half-days), they have time to teach quality science and social studies. If some can/do, all could/should.

Next: “Education is 5 Times More Important Than Gender For income.”

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