As I mentioned in an earlier post, I got Sen. Barack Obama’s book The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream
Today I was reading chapter 5 (“Opportunity”), and I absolutely loved what Obama had to say about education. Let’s start with this quote, where he says that building a 21st century school system means
“paying teachers what they’re worth. There’s no reason why an experienced, highly qualified, and effective teacher shouldn’t earn $100,000 annually at the peak of his or her career. Highly skilled teachers in such critical fields as math and science – as well as those willing to teach in the toughest urban schools – should be paid even more.”
BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well said, Senator!
Here are some other points he makes in the preceding and following paragraphs:
- We need to remove red tape in the certification process, so, for example, if a chemistry major wants to teach, he or she is able to do it without expensive additional course work;
- Proven teachers need to be given more control over what goes on in their classrooms;
- In exchange for more money, teachers need to become more accountable – and school districts need greater ability to get rid of ineffective teachers;
- Scores on standardized tests do not accurately reflect teacher performance. Therefore, unions, states and school districts should work together to come up with a system combining test scores and peer review that is a fair and accurate tool for evaluation.
Here we have a politician talking about education, and saying things that make sense. That’s refreshing. I also like it that he takes the attitude of “How can we do these things?” rather than “this is a nice wish list, but it’ll never happen because of A, B, C…”
I’m really starting to like this guy. I’m going to reserve judgment until I finish the book, but I will say that based on his views on education, I’m going to have to give him serious consideration if he does indeed run for president in 2008.
One other thing: Steve Cohen fans may want to read this book and pay special attention to Chapter 4 (“Politics”). Obama explains how, once you get to Washington, there are so many forces pulling you so many different directions – lobbyists, the media, your party, etc. – that it’s nearly impossible not to lose the sense of idealism that got you elected. Hopefully Steve will wade the political waters successfully, but it sure doesn’t look like he’ll have an easy time, given the picture Obama paints of the current situation.
And that’s all for now. Getting ready to head up to the Saucer for Tuesday night trivia. Hopefully I’ll be able to file a report tomorrow saying that the Rapscallions added to their accumulated winnings.