TUPELO, Miss. —
The 62,000-member Parents’ Campaign, a private-sector, non-profit advocacy organization for public education progress in Mississippi, makes a non-legislative priority one of its most important 2013 policy goals, and it can be achieved by reforming and strengthening the curriculum in Mississippi’s public university schools of education.
The Campaign, as it is often called, seeks to have “teacher education programs ... require more focus on content areas (the subjects teachers teach) as well as instruction in Common Core Standards and in diagnostic/formative assessments and data analysis.”
Stated more simply: Focus university education degrees on the demands of the 21st century and not on the inadequate methods of the past or, as applicable, as they are practiced now.
The people who lead and work as volunteers in the Parents’ Campaign are the most passionate voices in support of public schools.
And, the Campaign is honest. Its position is based on widespread dissatisfaction with the level of preparation entering teachers from the state’s schools of education bring to the public school classroom.
Parents’ Campaign Executive Director Nancy Loome, interviewed recently by the Daily Journal, said, “A depth of knowledge is critical ...” in understanding how to analyze basic data about students and their progress. Loome said it’s especially critical, with transitioning to the much more rigorous Common Core State Standards in 2014, that teachers understand from the start what’s required, what’s expected and how it can be successfully taught.
She said schools of education need to be revamped to offer an academic track that’s the equivalent of an honors’ college — high entrance standards, more demanding curriculum, and higher expectations from the first class to commencement.
It is not coincidental that the Campaign supports $12.5 million state appropriation for Teach for America, the program that sends exceptionally academically qualified young teachers whose degrees are in subject areas into classrooms, and of course provides them first with training about classroom management, behavioral standards, and intense instruction.
The state needs to produce equivalent teachers from its schools of education.
The Campaign also supports a merit-based compensation system that would reward the most successful teachers in moving students forward, and measure that performance at intervals through the school year, rather than just at the end. The compensation policy would require legislative action, but a form of the idea is supported by Gov. Phil Bryant.
On another important issue, the Campaign supports a conservative approach to establishing charter schools, with authorization only in underperforming school zones. ...
Online:
http://www.djournal.com
Editorials
Better teacher education goal of parents group
- Editorials
-
-
Bryant tantrum on education major standards was misguided
By the (McComb) Enterprise-Journal:
That was quite a tantrum Gov. Phil Bryant pitched at the College Board recently, criticizing its members for voicing concerns about his effort to increase standards for education majors. -
Legislature to City Hall not sure move
Five Mississippi House members are running for mayor this year, and while name recognition might provide some advantage, lawmakers have had a mixed record in trying to go from the Capitol to City Hall.
-
Nation’s economy improving, but state’s still lagging
By The (Jackson) Clarion-Ledger
It’s been a long time coming, but finally there are bright economic signs nationally that seem here to stay a while. -
Armed teachers dangerous idea for school safety
By (Columbus) The Commercial Dispatch:
The Mississippi House of Representatives sent back to the Senate a bill that would arm teachers.
Before sending it over, the House, by a 70-46 vote, amended the Senate’s bill in two major ways. Actually, the House did more than amend it. They neutered it. -
Not every bill grabs headlines
The first two bills that Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant signed during the 2013 legislative session dealt with money.
House Bill 19 gave more cash to the agency that coordinates a program to put all emergency offices under the same digital communications system. House Bill 20 moved money from the car tag reduction fund to the Budget Contingency Fund. Lawmakers use the contingency fund to cobble together cash for the overall state budget. -
Transparency key to ‘best watchdogs’ oversight
By The (Tupelo) Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal:
Rep. Jerry Turner’s effort to require open meetings of water associations and notice of meetings in which members of boards of directors will be elected remains alive in the Legislature. It should be enacted in the interests of transparency in the running of the nonprofit associations providing water for a significant percentage of Mississippi’s population. -
Miss. makes news, good news, this time
By The (Columbus) Commercial Dispatch:
Generally, when Mississippi makes national news — especially of late — it is not the sort of notoriety we welcome. ...
So March 3, when Mississippi again made national news, we braced ourselves for the embarrassment that was sure to follow.
Only this time, it wasn’t anything to be embarrassed about.
Imagine that. -
Ag’s legal expenses top $2.4M for year
An ongoing lawsuit challenging Mississippi’s foster care system has cost the state at least $4.4 million in legal expenses and fees since 2008.
Expenses continue to rise as the plaintiffs and the state work toward a telephone status conference scheduled for April 25 with U.S. District Judge Tom S. Lee. The price tag this year is $1.35 million. -
Ag’s legal expenses top $2.4M for year
An ongoing lawsuit challenging Mississippi’s foster care system has cost the state at least $4.4 million in legal expenses and fees since 2008.
-
Higher pay best way to recruit better teachers
By The (McComb) Enterprise-Journal:
A centerpiece of Gov. Phil Bryant’s proposals to improve education in Mississippi is raising the requirements for college students to major in the education field. - More Editorials Headlines
-
Bryant tantrum on education major standards was misguided
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
