In Awaiting Tax Returns

9.1% of my students’ parents attended parent-teacher conferences this semester. 

IF balancing the budget is a priority…

IF the state cares about education…

…and in recognition of tax return season, let’s cut right to my proposal. 

·        *  Parents who opt to not attend parent-teacher conferences will forfeit $50 from their tax returns.

·        * Parents who do not log on district sites in order to investigate their child’s academic progress on a bi-monthly basis will forfeit $50 from their tax returns.

·        * Parents who do not return a signed calendar of dates and times for when they read to their child will forfeit $50 dollars from their tax returns.

·        * Parents who do not return a signed calendar of dates and times for when they sat with their child to tutor them with their math and science will forfeit $50 from their tax returns.

·          

      Case in point, if you do not adequately address your child’s academic needs in partnership with your child’s school, you will pay more taxes.

“In partnership” is critical to the process of improvement.

Those in the private sector must come to the table, sit with those of us in education, and share their proposals.  More specifically, they should consider sharing their managerial expertise. 

I brag to my students quite often about how smart my friends are. 

I have friends in every managerial nook the private sector has to offer. 

Based on their experiences, here is one such way the private sector’s expertise may be shared at the table of discussion with those in education:

·         Employ a performance grid which measures the behaviors and results of teachers.  Specifically, teachers would be measured according to performance expectations, role modeling among peers, demonstration of leadership, portrayal of values and ethics, and expression of competencies.

Does the teacher contribute to a mature/successful learning culture?

Are teachers taking the necessary steps to develop themselves, their respective departments, and building connections among the various departments?

Teachers who do not measure up to the standard of excellence outlined would be placed on a plan for improvement and development.