jblomenberg16
Grandmaster
If they truly wanted to help public schools they would work with the parents to help their children out. Instead they gang up on the teachers (look at any story about teachers on the news, it's always something bad) and get everybody to bully them. I can't think of a worse profession to be in right now. You administration won't stick up for your decisions, always giving into parents who don't think their child should study, or do homework.
I would agree 100% that teaching is one of the most important positions in our society, but is too often under appreciated. I've severed as a school board member for a small private school (NO Federal or State Funding, but required to meet Federal and State standards), and know that teaching and running a school is not an easy task.
Most of the problems in education these days are with the parents (or lack there of), but there are some problems with the faculty from time to time as well.
I have no problem with measuring performance of students and teachers, as when done well it almost always drives the right behavior and an increase in performance.
What I do have problems with is contracts and policies that allow underperforming schools and teachers to be compensated just like the top performers. Not only does that encourage doing just the bare minimum to get by, but it also in many cases discourages excellence. Why do any more than you have to, right?
*** Note, I'm talking in generalities, so don't take this in any way as discrediting the work you wife is doing.