[KSig RC]

Originally Posted by Alphagamuga

Why do you often have such an antagonistic tone? It's kind of weird to me.

Ha - I honestly don't mean to, it's a result of my actual job (which requires very specific, to-the-point, and well-supported writing).

I really mean no antagonism.

Originally Posted by Alphagamuga

Would there every come a point where you would allow schools to remove the most difficult students from the school?

This happens in many school districts already, with special programs for behavioral problems and those with educational needs beyond "Special Ed" - these programs, as far as I know, have seen quite a lot of success.

I would support these, assuming they were successful - I'm open to another way, if there is one, as well.

Originally Posted by Alphagamuga

Would there be a point at which you would allow teachers to simply refuse to meet with or address parent concerns?

Yes - ultimately, I agree with your previous point about administration support as necessary (although I'm not sure I'll extend it to the same mechanism or length you do, even though it's entirely plausible) to the teacher's success. In that regard, when parents are over the top in demands or pressure on the teacher, it is the responsibility of the administration to address these demands/this pressure.

I don't think this happens, at all - I think many failings of the school system are a direct result of administration failing the teachers. (bolded for emphasis)

Originally Posted by Alphagamuga

Would you set up a system that prevented administrators from telling teachers how to resolve the issues that parents had complained about?

I'm not really sure what to say here, I don't really understand what this system would really do, or really what you're getting at - sorry.

Originally Posted by Alphagamuga

I really think you may be underestimating the influence that the parents have on people who can tell teachers how to do their jobs.

I agree that if the administration were willing to ignore parent complaints and back teachers in their grading and discipline then parents might be able to be removed from the equation, but since at the top level of school chain of command you have the elected officials of the school board, in many if not all places, it's not likely to happen.

Actually I think we're on a similar track here - see the bolded part above.

I'm not overly willing to accept the status quo here while listening to bizarre or misguided generalities about parents, decline of morals, or the evils of testing, though. This, I think, is the ultimate downfall of NCLB: it gives too much opportunity to scapegoat the program, rather than examining the glaring inefficiencies and outdated methods of many schools.