Reflection
Reflection
Kaelyn demonstrates a clear view of what chapter 12 and 13 convey to the readers. Ravitch clarifies that the necessity for merit pay implies monetary incentives for teachers. I would say that it contradicts the fact that most teachers are passionate enough in doing their job to educate the students, they do not need monetary incentives. I commend the explanation of Kaelyn because she explains this point clearly. It is true that the criticism undermines the confidence of the teachers and the competition merit pay is harmful to the teacher collaboration. In addition, the system creates weak teamwork among teachers resulting in harmful effects on the students. On the other hand, Kaelyn shows how positive feedback affects the teachers. I agree that the encouragements for the teachers create positive outcomes, especially in educating the students. Ravitch affirms that teachers’ commendations result in performance improvement. I strongly agree that the reformation of the educational system is necessary that is to encourage the teachers and not to demoralize their profession in order to have quality educational outcomes.
Discussion Questions
Response 1:
I do not think that the merit pay would be a reform option. The merit pay would not be an option because it demoralized the status of the teachers. Remember, the teachers are the physical tools in educating the leaders in the future. We need competent teachers who are passionate enough to mold the students, regardless of the monetary incentives.
Response 2:
I would say that more academic free will or classroom autonomy are not necessary because teachers are the models of good will and leadership. If classroom autonomy and academic free will persist, then teachers would no longer be respected by many.
Response 3:
It is the dedication of the teachers to teach the students and it is incomparable.
Tanya
It is a strong demonstration of thoughts about Michelle Rhee describing her a bully and a liar. However, after reading the outline and Tanya’s reflection, I noticed that her reflection is more on how she describe Rhee considering the publication. The outline itself has the complete information of Ravitch knowledge and ideas about the issue in the world of education. At some part, Tanya has a point about the standing of Rhee with her colleagues John White and Wendy Kopp, who lack the background in the education world. Similarly, Ravitch emphasizes the mystery of Michelle Rhee as the face of the corporate reform. Particularly, Rhee evaluates the teachers by test scores, merit bonuses, fire teachers and principals with low test scores, oppose tenure and seniority, the closing of the public school, and encourages privatization. The statement that says, “Rhee puts it, greedy, self-interested teachers who don’t care about the children” is an offensive thing and she speaks in generalities. I strongly disagree with this statement because most teachers care and passionately teaching the children. In this event, I would say that Rhee is wrong about this. Rhee mocked collaboration and said, “Teachers cannot make up for what parents and students will not do” . How does a person comment this way if she is concerned about her advocacy on Students First? Partly, Tany has a point by saying that Rhee is a bully. In addition, I agree when Tanya said, “When Rhee comes out and says she dislikes cooperation and collaboration that tells you she should keep away from kids!” If I would rephrase it, Rhee is harassing individuals, especially the well-equipped and knowledgeable teachers in the world.
Discussion Questions
Response 1:
I would say that those who thinks that the be-all and end-all of education, lack the information of what is the meaning of a quality education.
Response 2:
Who trusted these individuals? Ravitch illustrates that “Liberals, progressives, well-meaning people have lent their support to a project that is antithetical to liberalism and progressivism,” and Ravitch added that “By supporting market-based ‘reforms,’ they have allied themselves with those who seek to destroy public education. They are being used by those who have an implacable hostility toward the public sector.” Exactly, the ones supporting the advocacy of John White, Michelle Rhee and Wendy Kopp can explain it.
Response 3:
I may compare it with a half-cooked acquired education. I am not underestimating those
who are products of TFA, but studying education is not just an overtime career. The future lies in the hands of the most competent and most effective and efficient teachers. Teachers who have the heart to mold the students’ mind, especially their attitude as the future leaders of every nation.
Reference
Buntin, J. (2014, January). A Battle Over School Reform: Michelle Rhee vs. Diane Ravitch.
Retrieved March 26, 2016, from http://www.governing.com/topics/education/gov-michelle-rhee-versus-diane-ravitch.html.
Ravitch, D. (2014). Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Danger to
America’s Public Schools (1st Edition ed.). New York: Knopf.
