YES!! - Why had I been left to discover Willingham, E.D. Hirsch, Jr., and others on my own rather than in ed school or in professional development?
Your implicit indictment of those in education is scorching: "It didn’t take me long to understand that the theory of change that has undergirded the education policy movement for the last 30 years rests at least tacitly on a mistaken assumption: that teachers, administrators, and schools are well-trained, competent, and capable of raising student achievement." But I don't disagree. Why is it that getting into med school and law school is so hard, but getting teacher certification is so easy? I think it's fair to demand that our teachers be better educated and trained. AND the comment about the "arrogant policy wonk" you mention--that teacher quality is the only thing that matters--also hits home. Teaching and learning are complex and quality education includes many things. But I'm sensing from your writing that in many ways, it's not as complex as it needs to be. And certainly, it doesn't need to be so politicized.
Sadly not much has changed, after two decades and having had the same experience you had as an early teacher I haven’t seen much change. In fact, last year a new kg teacher was thrown into a class with 32 students, many MLLs and behaviors and when she didn’t do well.. as expected she was let go. The support system for early teachers and or teachers in high need areas just isn’t there
Well executed recollection of many of our own experiences across the education sectors - grappling with pervasive myths and well-meaning but ineffective methods. (I’m in Australia) I’m hopeful change is coming. It will take strong leadership to overcome entrenched practices, a lack of morale and trust in the systems and the exodus of good people from education. I look forward to reading more.
"his ed school and teacher training in terms that mirrored mine precisely: 'a mix of folk wisdom, psycho-jargon, wishful thinking, and out-and-out bullshit.'"
Check, check, check, check. But did yours include 'confluent education' the way mind did?
"the theory of change that has undergirded the education policy movement for the last 30 years rests at least tacitly on a mistaken assumption: that teachers, administrators, and schools are well-trained, competent, and capable of raising student achievement, and that the role of public policy is to direct, incentivize, or threaten livelihoods in order to get them to perform properly."
Way to go--bursting our bubble on your debut!
"The idea that improving practice holds the key to improving student outcomes has been greeted more receptively in recent years."
Please forgive the flagrant self-promotion, but I believe strongly in improving practice in order to improve student outcomes, which is why I wrote my (non-profit) instructional guide to reading, From Sound to Summary: Braiding the Reading Rope to Make Words Make Sense.
I am so excited about this blog--much needed, much appreciated!
This is excellent! I came to substack a few weeks ago looking for serious content about public K-12 education and was underwhelmed. This is certainly going to fill a need. And Robert, thank you for your contributions to the field. I've learned a lot from your work over the years and have raised many of your ideas in the teachers' lounge.
Robert, this is a really terrific idea. And I love the core message.
Welcome to Substack, friend, can't wait to read it. Maybe there's a collab in our future!
I'd be disappointed if there wasn't! Thanks for the warm welcome.
Fantastic opener, Robert! I'll share with folks in my world and can't wait for more.
YES!! - Why had I been left to discover Willingham, E.D. Hirsch, Jr., and others on my own rather than in ed school or in professional development?
Your implicit indictment of those in education is scorching: "It didn’t take me long to understand that the theory of change that has undergirded the education policy movement for the last 30 years rests at least tacitly on a mistaken assumption: that teachers, administrators, and schools are well-trained, competent, and capable of raising student achievement." But I don't disagree. Why is it that getting into med school and law school is so hard, but getting teacher certification is so easy? I think it's fair to demand that our teachers be better educated and trained. AND the comment about the "arrogant policy wonk" you mention--that teacher quality is the only thing that matters--also hits home. Teaching and learning are complex and quality education includes many things. But I'm sensing from your writing that in many ways, it's not as complex as it needs to be. And certainly, it doesn't need to be so politicized.
Sadly not much has changed, after two decades and having had the same experience you had as an early teacher I haven’t seen much change. In fact, last year a new kg teacher was thrown into a class with 32 students, many MLLs and behaviors and when she didn’t do well.. as expected she was let go. The support system for early teachers and or teachers in high need areas just isn’t there
Focus on HOW we teach and WHAT we teach? What a concept! It's wonderful to see you here and I will be following and reading with interest!
Can’t wait to dive in for more! Kudos for not charging, too.
Thanks for making this free and shareable - I look forward to spreading the word at my new school!
Well executed recollection of many of our own experiences across the education sectors - grappling with pervasive myths and well-meaning but ineffective methods. (I’m in Australia) I’m hopeful change is coming. It will take strong leadership to overcome entrenched practices, a lack of morale and trust in the systems and the exodus of good people from education. I look forward to reading more.
After 45+ years in public education, I truly look forward to the ideas and learning you will be sharing.
"his ed school and teacher training in terms that mirrored mine precisely: 'a mix of folk wisdom, psycho-jargon, wishful thinking, and out-and-out bullshit.'"
Check, check, check, check. But did yours include 'confluent education' the way mind did?
"the theory of change that has undergirded the education policy movement for the last 30 years rests at least tacitly on a mistaken assumption: that teachers, administrators, and schools are well-trained, competent, and capable of raising student achievement, and that the role of public policy is to direct, incentivize, or threaten livelihoods in order to get them to perform properly."
Way to go--bursting our bubble on your debut!
"The idea that improving practice holds the key to improving student outcomes has been greeted more receptively in recent years."
Please forgive the flagrant self-promotion, but I believe strongly in improving practice in order to improve student outcomes, which is why I wrote my (non-profit) instructional guide to reading, From Sound to Summary: Braiding the Reading Rope to Make Words Make Sense.
I am so excited about this blog--much needed, much appreciated!
This is excellent! I came to substack a few weeks ago looking for serious content about public K-12 education and was underwhelmed. This is certainly going to fill a need. And Robert, thank you for your contributions to the field. I've learned a lot from your work over the years and have raised many of your ideas in the teachers' lounge.
FYI the Substack on Critical Thinking has substantial content regarding K-12 education. Check the 2+ years of Archives <https://criticallythinking.substack.com/archive>.