"It appears that the most important difference between the most and the least effective classrooms is the teacher, but the most important variable appears to be what they do, rather than what they know."
Dylan Wiliam Ahead of the Curve, 2009
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If you have, you are definitely not alone! As teachers, we have often felt like nameless, faceless people in suits are making decisions that deeply affect our teaching and our students. This has never been more of a concern than in the present economic and education climate. Decisions are being made at an alarming rate and most teachers just don't know whom to contact in order to voice their concerns. In an effort to put a name and a face to some of those people, we decided to start with the state board. Here are some excerpts from that interview with a state board member:
ON THE BOARD'S AUTHORITY:
"For the most part the state board has very little authority to affect K-8 education and teaching… We do not get involved with pedagogy…we do not prescribe curriculum…we don't do discipline of students or teachers…we don't set standards for teaching certificates."
ON SOME OF THE BOARD'S CURRENT PROJECTS:
"The Legislature charged the new Board (reconfigured January 2006) with specific tasks: accountability programs, define a meaningful high school diploma, get involved in math goals, etc."
FINAL THOUGHTS
"So, I guess what I'd want teachers to know is that state board members put in lots of time and travel to study issues, and the study ultimately results in new policies for school districts to follow."
If you're interested in learning more about the state board, check out the following link for the entire transcript of the interview, as well as some general explanation of the board, its purposes and its members. And most importantly, if you have an opinion on any of the issues that the board is currently facing, DON'T HESITATE to send out an email to members of the board. We found them to be more than open to teachers' concerns and very willing to engage in meaningful dialogue. Remember, we can't expect these education organizations to set good policy, if we don't communicate our needs.
Speak up and be heard!
Debra Howell NBCT and Andrea Peterson NBCT
WNN Liaison Coordinators
Send all correspondence to: network@cstp-wa.org
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