By Antonio D. French
Filed Thursday, June 22, 2006 at 11:30 AM
This video was posted on our sister site, STLSchools.org, yesterday. We thought you political watchers might enjoy it too. Labels: Schools, Video_Reports
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VIDEO: Senate Candidates on SLPS
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10 Comments:
boykins letting it rip,
6/22/2006 12:07 PM
I need a little more Kenny in my YouTube.
6/22/2006 12:48 PM
I'll admit to liking Derio Gambaro's proposal. We need incentives for the schools to improve. What we don't need is empty threats from Jeff City about takeovers, yet they fail to materialize. We need concrete goals to set, and strong incentives for district adminstration and instructors to meet them.
I don't understand the public schools dogged insistence on "certified" teachers. We need quality teachers in the district, and restricting the pool to "certified individuals has created a stumbling block for getting quality instructors. It really isn't about the pay (as the 420 is quick to mention), but more the need for instructors in the classroom from all walks of life (private and public sector). I personally feel that a college degree (preferably a Bachelor' degree) and suitable training should be all that is necessary to put an individual into a classroom. The way the district and union treat employees that are not "certified" is one of the primary reasons we lack qualified instructors, and the main reason the quality instructors we may have leave.
Where I hold the union at fault is equating "certified" with union membership. As son of a "noncertificated" employee, I saw how instructors treat teacher's aides, teaching assistants, and other employees not in the inner circle of "certified" employees. Either there needs to be noncertificated union created to counter 420, or 420 needs to be reminded that noncertificated employees are employees in many cases with bachelor's degrees and higher, but lack state certification. Some of the these employees are more qualified than some instructors.
Getting back on message, Ms. Boykins is looking at the situation from the union's point of view. Mr. Smith is looking at it from the non-union employee point of view, and Mr. Gambaro is looking at it like most parents will. Who is closer to where the district needs to be?
6/22/2006 1:32 PM
Kareem:
I agree with you that we need to look to our non-certified teachers to bridge the gap between the district we have and the district we want. I've considered offering to teach part-time, as I think I have something to offer the youth of St. Louis. I wish more members of the community would do the same. I further think we need to assist those teachers currently in the district becoming certified. I understand that there are tuition assistance programs, as well as other benefits of seeking certification. So, the question is, how do we get those non-certified teachers to become certified, if only to satisfy state and federal mandates. I would further agree that not being certified does not mean that a teacher is not qualified to teach. Just like obtaining a degree--having the diploma is worth more than just the education you obtain in getting it.
As for Mr. Gambaro's Republican plan of offering school vouchers, I think the Confluence Academy has shown that we can accomplish within the district those necessary changes to achieve schools of excellence. St. Louis can no longer suffer by having in office those that have given-up on public education. Instead, we need proactive leaders like Jeff Smith who will work within the system to provide a quality education to every child.
6/22/2006 2:28 PM
K. Johnson, I think that the push for certified teachers is from the government, not the teachers. I am sure some one will correct me if I am wrong, but I believe it is the "No Child Left Behind Act" that is the driving force behind more certified teachers in the public schools.
6/22/2006 3:09 PM
"certified teachers is from the government"
Bingo!
If you want to teach my kids,drive a car, pratice law, ect... you need to be certified.
This is a fundamental part of society.
Whay are their paople that want to re-invent the wheel?
Can you immagin how many scandles their would be if they hired any crony to teach kids?
I dont think literaly hireing any one off the street would fix the SLPS.
6/22/2006 6:16 PM
I love the plants that the Boykin's campaign tries to make look like random resident sentiments. You all could try a little hard to hide the fact that you work for the campaign.
6/22/2006 10:14 PM
Chester, Your only making things look worse for amber by making it look like she has to pay someone to say anything good about her. You and nia are doing the same thing, Your making be believe amber doesnt feel she has a shot at office and is not going for the low blow! LOL, THATS GOOD NEWS,,,
6/23/2006 9:44 AM
Perhaps I misheard what Gambaro is suggesting. If it involves vouchers to parochial schools, I'm dead set against it.
Travis, thanks for the heads up on that one.
6/23/2006 1:21 PM
Gambaro words his material well, I'll give him that. I believe his style of speaking is sloppy, but he is very good at making the voucher sound like a "scholarship" or "grant." School vouchers are extremely controversial, therefore he is trying to hide that hot-button word.
Oranges are Oranges no matter if they are from California or Florida.
6/23/2006 2:09 PM
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