On When do teachers deserve merit pay?

Posted on August 7 at 1:53 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

What about the teachers who get the "undesireable" kids (the ones who don't want to try, or the just plain dumb ones)? We all know they are out there -- the students who could be told the answers and STILL get the answers wrong. You can't say they are equally spread out because the high schools have their honors classes and Advanced placement classes that obviously get higher scores than special education classes.
Even still what about the non-core classes such as music, art, industrial arts, home ec, etc...? What about those teachers? How are they going to be assessed?
Plus, are the teachers going to be given more freedom as to who is or who is not in their class? Think back to your high school days -- which classes were ALWAYS the dumping grounds: art, phy ed, and industrial arts. How skewed will these numbers be just because the counselors and administrators dump them in there.

There's too many questions left unanswered. And there are too many variables to make this system fair.

And finally, of course there are teachers who will fix the scores. Just like there are corrupt politicians and crooked cops. There's not many, but they are out there.

On Activist runs as write-in for Janesville City Council

Posted on March 16 at 12:17 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

How do you spell that last name? ...BRIARMOON?

On Elkhorn's Project Lead the Way helping ensure tomorrow's workforce

Posted on January 23 at 11:07 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

They already have this in Janesville -- three high school level classes. Introduction to Engineering & Design, Principles of Engineering, and Digital Electronics(taught at Blackhawk Tech). The middle school version is expected to roll out next year.
This program doesn't make then engineers. It helps give them the foundation to succeed if they do choose a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics field.
I would say it's pretty narrow-minded to think of only the expense of other curriculum. How about this in turn: How does this benefit the kids, their future, and our future? Plus, by the way; this has NOT replaced any Technology Education or Science classes in which these classes can count as credit for. It's a supplement, another option if you will, for a student body to choose from.

On Obama trounces McCain in students' mock election

Posted on October 30 at 10:26 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

thekai you are right. But, I think you misinterpreted my point -- troops to teachers or accountants or mechanics, or whatever) without training is absurd. If you have the training that carries over and transfers to credits towards a degree then great. BUT, if not then that is what is absurd if they are trying to get whatever type of job.
Please don't patronize me about the military. Yes, I do know of the extensive training programs the military has to offer. My best friend going back nearly twenty years is in the Army. I have had several family in the military. Do I sense some hostility in your made up comments about me calling soldiers barbarians and only knowing how to shoot a gun? Sorry, you're not getting that tone from me I seriously looked into going into the military but decided against it and went to college instead.
Next truckdrivers, my father is a truck-driver and once again I was emphasizing how you also need the correct education to do that job.

Bottom line: With proper education a soldier should have the right to qualify for any job. Without the proper education, too bad but I'm still proud of them.

With your qualifications you should think about being a Tech Ed teacher. They are always in high demand especially with automotive skills/interest

On Obama trounces McCain in students' mock election

Posted on October 30 at 3:41 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Soldiers coming home and going straight to teaching is scary. Sure some could and would do a great job. BUT, let's throw in another profession and see how just as absurd it seems... Here we go: Soldiers coming home and going straight into accounting. OR Soldiers coming home and going straight into truck-driving. OR well hopefully you get the point. They deserve some points for their experiences but they still need the proper training. I sure hope I am hearing Mccain wrong and whoever else is saying to make soldiers teachers when they come back. Let's turn this around... I am a hunter and know how to shoot a gun so can I go right over to Irag? Nope, the army would stil need to train me.

On Obama trounces McCain in students' mock election

Posted on October 29 at 9:28 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Where's the results of the home-schooled kids? Would Nader be our next president??

On Obama trounces McCain in students' mock election

Posted on October 29 at 9:26 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Finally! proof -- public school kids ARE smarter than private school kids. ***Okay, I'm just joking.*** (although I had read once that when you compare "apples to apples" public school educated kids are smarter than their private school educated counterparts. I don't remember a source or where it was from though)
But Seriously though, it's not the school. It's not the teacher. It's not the parents. It's everything, everyone as well as the kids. We all strongly influence kids but they are also their own person too.
As for the article, I just knew when I read the results that this would be a hot topic.

On High schools to open new areas early in '09

Posted on October 26 at 11:19 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

http://gazettextra.com/news/2008/jun/03/...

Not first hand knowledge, just knowledge of my Janesville trivia

To me schools come first, that's MY point. I will gladly pay more in taxes and donations to support our schools and communitites. If there's a higher priority long-range goal than better education to improve Janesville I'd be open to hearing people's opinions. We can do it with or without GM.

On High schools to open new areas early in '09

Posted on October 26 at 8:59 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Johndoe, While this may be a Chicken or the egg debate here But... GM did come here as Samson Tractor company in 1919 they went under around 1922 and GM only stayed because of the city's commitment to build the new high school and roads. In 1923 GM first started building cars here and THIS is when GM really started their expansion to what we know now.
So while you're partly right but mostly wrong. I am partly wrong but mostly right.

Bottom line: GM stayed around because of the city's commitment to providing the best education as possible. While that won't help us now with GM it will help us retain and bring in other companies that utilize Janesville's incredible workforce and just as amazing potential.

On High schools to open new areas early in '09

Posted on October 24 at 9:16 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

How does the quote go... "Those that don't remember the past are doomed to repeat it." ?? Something like that?? I guess I didn't pay enough attention to the tremendous teachers I had in school, but I sure wish I had. Anyhow, let's remember that when Janesville High School (former Marshall middle school, now Marshall apts) was built no expense was spared and that was a MAJOR contributing factor to GM coming to town. Speak to any large employer and they will tell you how important local schools are to them when deciding on a new location.
I LOVE Janesville! Born, raised, got a college degree and came back. Is it perfect? NO. But, we will survive.