Jonathan Alter's Reply

Ronneburger, Julie [Julie.Ronneburger@newsweek.com]

on behalf of; Web Editors[Web.Editors@newsweek.com
Please see Mr. Alter's response below

"i totally agree. i'm for parent contracts to make them more accountable too....but the lack of accountability by teachers is the most glaring right now, and one the unions must grapply with... best- Jonathan Alter"

My response:

Mr. Alter:

Thanks for your response. I am glad to read that you see the importance of parent responsibility. However; I remain puzzled by your focus on the "lack of accountability by teachers". What exactly do you want teachers to be responsible for and how do you see the unions as dealing with this?

The problems that I encountered as a classroom teacher were many. I had no problems with course content and as a result of my Jesuit education I likewise had no difficulty with classroom management. However; student absenteeism, parental indifference and students' refusal to complete homework assignments were real problems. We have far too many students in our classrooms whose parents lack the skills to be parents and as a result their feral children cause problems.

I would assume that you believe there are far too many incompetent or ineffective teachers in the classroom. In my years of teaching I only encountered a few and they did not last. I believe the real problem is that new teachers do not receive appropriate support and assistance. For them it is like being thrown into the deep end of a swimming pool and told to swim ... but in their case to teach, manage and control. Remember for the vast majority of teachers when the bell rings and the door is closed it is a one person show.

In the event that there is a person teaching who should not be teaching school administrators have the process to document, meet and confer, and if needed dismiss. However; far too many administrators have attained freedom from the classroom and are loathe to return to observe, evaluate and offer assistance. The union's role in any process is to see that the process is followed correctly and a teacher's due process rights are followed.

The problems facing the American education system are many and to focus on one and only one aspect will achieve nothing. As we have achieved little in the problem areas of drugs, crime and poverty we will continue to flounder with education. We have no focus, no agenda, no plan, and little leadership.