Teachers: Do Not Deviate

This article in the Washington Post points out the faults of standardized curriculum. Montgomery County, Maryland, fired a teacher who was highly praised by parents and created innovating experiences for her students, including an annual science project on stream pollution and nature walks. I guess actually experiencing science just doesn't match up educationally to sitting on your 3rd grade butt for 6 hours a day, 5 days a week reading about it.

As an educator and former classroom teacher, the part that upset me the most was one reason cited in Ms. Kim's hearing. Apparently she spent 50 minutes on a reading lesson for which the curriculum only allotted 20 minutes. If a teacher is no longer allowed to gauge her student's interest level, comprehension, and tailor the lessons to them, then teaching is no longer an art. I wouldn't even say it's a science. I think President Bush and Congress should develop robots to teach if this is what they think is best for children. Or outsource teaching to India. I certainly cannot see educated, caring professionals wanting to take a position such as this one.

"Teachers in Trouble, Parents Ignored: Part I." (Matthews, J. The Washington Post. Aug. 14, 2007).
I hope Ms. Kim is hired by one of the wonderful independent schools in the Washington area, where her passion for science and for teaching children will be appreciated.