Jonathan Alter's Newsweek Article

Jonathan Alter's recent denunciation of the American education system and his attack on teachers is both inaccurate and misleading. He has identified teachers as both the subject and object of accountability. He wants teachers removed from the classroom when they fail and and rewarded when students succeed. What is so blatantly and glaringly missing from this article is any recognition and expectation of accountability from both students and their parents.

It is easy and convenient to blame the failures of the education system on the teachers' unions. However; having been a teacher for almost 40 years ( I am now retired) most teachers recognize both the NEA and the AFT as little more than paper tigers. Both the judicial and the legislative branches of government must also take responsibility for conditions in our schools. If the teaching profession is as safe, secure and comfortable as Mr. Alter would have us believe then why are we facing a teacher shortage in the hundreds of thousands?

If accountability is to be the new battle cry then let's make it universal. Both parents and students must be held accountable for attendance, attire, attitude, behavior, and homework. Attending school and being successful is serious business and far too many parents and students have forgotten this fact. It is no surprise that some charter schools and most private schools are successful. Their success is not just the result of excellent teachers and excellent teaching; but the result of responsible and involved parents and well disciplined and motivated students.

If the American education system is to improve and succeed then all involved in the system must be held accountable --- not just the teacher in the classroom.