| subject-matter competence vs. teaching competence |
6/8/04 5:10 PM |
| Author:
Michael Strait
|
 |
It should go without saying that a teacher knows her or his subject matter, but I realize thet's not the reality and that's why this requirement exists. Even so, it should not be possible to earn the designation of being a highly qualified teacher on the basis of subject-matter competence. That is necessary but not sufficient. Making subject-matter comprehensible to one's students should also be part of being judged a highly qualified teacher. Everyone knows there are subject matter experts than cannot teach. To answer the question posed, teahers in charter schools should have to demonstrate subject-matter competence of at least 1 to 2 grade level standards above the level they are teaching AND demonstrate that they can effectively teach students of a range of -/+ 2 grade levels (span of 5 grade levels). Subject-matter competence could and should be demonstrated by passing the same tests or demonstrating the same competence as students must; and making the subject matter comprehensible is demonstrated by evidence of student progress. All schools and school systems should invest heavily in professional development of their teachers.
Posted as a reply to:
NCLB's "Highly Qualified Teachers" Requirement and Charters by Bob Montgomery 
|
|
