The QTS Debate
“So, is it a good idea to remove the requirement for QTS to be acquired eventually by all teachers? No, it isn’t. In my view, it’s a terrible idea that will have serious long-term consequences.” Tom Sherrington looks at the current debate on qualified teacher status.
Lest we forget
“As it is I think the purveyors of that particular idea would be best served in remembering that the people they are talking to aren’t completely stupid. The only stupid thing here is the idea that less qualified means more able. In what perverse Universe does that sound sensible?” Mike Cameron looks at the current debate on hiring unqualified teachers.
Best frontline blogs this week
Here’s our list of ten frontline blogs we’ve particularly liked from the week of 14th October 2013 – from the new ‘social contract’ to welfare reform and the bedroom tax to the teachers strike and the Ofsted report on the Al-Madinah free school.
Why I’m striking – the letter I’d like to send to parents
“I frequently appreciate the value that you as families also place on learning and the work which we undertake in school. Sadly, such support has not been felt from the national government.” Michael Tidd writes a letter to parents about the teachers’ strike.
We strike because we care
“We’re the people who help your children towards the academic achievements that make you feel proud of them. We, like you, spend a lot of time anxiously worrying about your children. We are striking because we care and you should support us.” Truthful Classroom sets out why teachers are striking.
Succeeding is better than #winning
“Now for two statements of the bleeding obvious. One, we need more schools. No if, no buts. We need more schools. Two, we are where we are.” Mike Cameron argues that we need more schools and sets out four ways to make the system work better.
Frontline stories – My darkest school days
“Over the years, working in a range of contexts, I’ve encountered some extraordinary scenarios that have challenged me immensely. Being a teacher isn’t always about teaching…” Tom Sherrington shares some challenging stories from his teaching experience.
Bye bye, Mr Twigg
“No more setting up committees of “experts” to tell us what our policies are. No more vague promises about “evidence” that mean nothing and suggest we are refusing to spell out our values.” After Stephen Twigg, Andrew Old argues that Labour needs a new approach to education policy.
It’s because I agree with Gove about the curriculum that I disagree with him about pay and conditions
“A lot of the comments on why people are striking leave me cold. Too many people on too many hobby horses. Too many people complaining that Gove hates teachers or that opposing the education establishment is indefensible…” Andrew Old sets out his views on this week’s teachers’ strike.
Twigg and hardworking families
“A Tory Education Secretary that wishes to further nationalise parenting sharing an analysis and a proposed solution with a Labour shadow Education Secretary that wants to put the demands of market over the demands of loved ones.” Michael Merrick reviews Stephen Twigg and Michael Gove’s approach to family policy.
What I learned from writing about Grammar Schools
“…I genuinely believe the most important question is not whether or not grammar schools should exist but whether or not they should exist over and above other systems for improving social mobility.” Laura McInerney shares the insights that she has gathered from her recent musings on Grammar Schools.
On Education: Dear Britain…
“I’m not perfect. I admit I get things wrong. Not every lesson I teach is ‘outstanding’. I have my off days and occasionally I get behind on my marking, but I am in this job for the right reasons and I am trying to do the very best I can.” Juliet O’Callaghan writes a letter to the British public on education.
Puffles goes to school – and learns something from the children
“One of the reasons I volunteered as a school governor was to get a feel for the impact of Whitehall policy in my community. I spent years in Whitehall policy teams but never had to live the results of that work in my community.” Puffles suggests that the political class needs to get involved in their local communities.
Empowered and free? Not me, Mr Gove!
“Michael Gove delivered a speech at The Policy Exchange, London yesterday (5th September), in which he championed both teachers and teaching. For a short while afterwards I felt a nice, warm glow of something approaching relief.” cazzypot points out the differences between the rhetoric and reality of the Coalition’s plans to empower teachers.
Why does progressive education not work?
“So that you can decide to stop reading this, probably, short piece I am going to tell you that this will not be supportive of progressive education methods.” Peter Blenkinsop outlines why progressive education doesn’t work.
Who’s afraid of lesson observations?
“Ask any teacher for their experience of summative observations, and it’s likely their answer will involve various expletives.” Joe Kirby collates what teachers across the education blogosphere are saying about the current system of lesson observations and outlines four problems with it.
The case against Michael Gove
“Where I think Gove is fundamentally wrong is on workplace issues. I do not see any appreciation of the difference between management and frontline staff.” Andrew Old pinpoints the problem with Michael Gove’s approach to education.
On (not) learning to teach
“Perhaps, then, during our holidays we should take a break from learning how to teach, and go do other non-teaching things. It might just make us better teachers.” Michael Merrick explains the importance of stepping away from the all-consuming nature of teaching.
What effect do OFSTED have on the way schools are run?
“Tessa, you simply can’t have children reading in silence when Ofsted come in; you can’t show progress that way.” It was a bright, cold day in November and the clocks were striking 11. An urgent meeting was called at lunchtime; it could only mean one thing. Coded messages were passed between teachers in the corridors: […]