A Teacher Speaks Out

I am a social studies teacher. I have gone along with the standards [Profile of Learning] [1] stuff (do I have a choice?), but I am presently fed up.

My students sure know how to do inquiry research and plan a really cool trip to Europe. But they do not know much about the rest of the world or where places are located. My year was bogged down in all sorts of fun little projects. We are now told, "Students don't have to 'do packages' [Performance packages]. Packages need to be embedded into the curriculum." [2]

Whenever I bring up the need for learning core knowledge, memorizing geographic locations of countries, or testing for key ideas about American government, I am pooh-poohed by many fellow staff members.

I have been teaching ten years. I know what works. Memory work served me quite well. As a youngster, I was compelled to memorize my times table up to 13. Imagine the uproar from the experts if a third grade teacher expected that today! Guess what? I can count change, multiply, subtract and divide. I can even do change in my head! Some people today cannot figure out the change at a till if you throw an extra four cents on the counter.

Because I work in a school where the board and administration can be SO political, I would ask that you not use my name. I am tenured, but fear for my job if the "wrong" comments come from me. Our administration has bought into the "seamless web" idea, hook, line and sinker. They have made the comment that they "will never abandon" the Profile of Learning.

Maybe I need to find a school where children can learn to read, write and love their country. [3]

Yours truly,

A concerned teacher and parent

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[1] The Profile of Learning is the state "exit outcomes".

[2] This is synonymous with "unit themes" or "thematic units".

[3] Unfortunately, this teacher will not find such a place, unless he/she moves to a private school that is wholly supported by private money and that does not subscribe to the Federal legislation of Goals 2000, School to Work, the Workforce Investment Act, and their peripheral implementing legislation.

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