Posted 8:18 pm Friday, October 05, 2012
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Standardized tests aren’t best way to measure teachers, October 5
There is a call for teachers to be evaluated by how well their students do on tests.
My wife is a Tyler ISD teacher and I substituted for many years. My wife, like most teachers, arrives early to ensure that lesson plans are appropriate, needed materials are on hand and administrative matters are current. She must be ready to guide the students to build on what was taught the day before.
There are myriad other issues a teacher faces in carrying out the job. One is maintaining discipline in the class, for without discipline, there is no education. Many students have unresolved issues in their homes and these spill over into the classroom. A teacher must be ready to handle these issues, even students fighting in the classroom.
A teacher is a sounding board for problems students are facing. The problems some students face can be a stumbling block if teachers were not there to provide an encouraging word or sometimes a shoulder to cry on.
Teachers meet with parents outside school hours because that is the only time parents can meet.
They become involved in after school activities to provide alternatives to students being on the streets.
Some students have no desire to be in school. They are not interested in paying attention, following instructions nor learning. Teachers must overcome these issues and motivate the students to become productive.
Student tests results will not provide the full measure of a teacher because sometimes what a teacher does is not gradable. But it’s equally important.
Jim Hicks
Tyler
My wife is a Tyler ISD teacher and I substituted for many years. My wife, like most teachers, arrives early to ensure that lesson plans are appropriate, needed materials are on hand and administrative matters are current. She must be ready to guide the students to build on what was taught the day before.
There are myriad other issues a teacher faces in carrying out the job. One is maintaining discipline in the class, for without discipline, there is no education. Many students have unresolved issues in their homes and these spill over into the classroom. A teacher must be ready to handle these issues, even students fighting in the classroom.
A teacher is a sounding board for problems students are facing. The problems some students face can be a stumbling block if teachers were not there to provide an encouraging word or sometimes a shoulder to cry on.
Teachers meet with parents outside school hours because that is the only time parents can meet.
They become involved in after school activities to provide alternatives to students being on the streets.
Some students have no desire to be in school. They are not interested in paying attention, following instructions nor learning. Teachers must overcome these issues and motivate the students to become productive.
Student tests results will not provide the full measure of a teacher because sometimes what a teacher does is not gradable. But it’s equally important.
Jim Hicks
Tyler
