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Articles > Let teachers teach
Let teachers teach
Letter to the editor by Ken Rolling, executive director, Chicago Annenberg Challenge
Chicago Sun Times, February 19, 2001
Re: "Daley demands school reform" [news story, Feb. 16]: The best way to get good teachers to leave the Chicago Public Schools is to require them to teach via scripted lessons and chanted student responses. Teachers are not robots, and students are not trained seals. The second best way to get good teachers to leave the system is to have the central office "go in and dictate curriculum."
After all the exciting new work that's been done relative to what instructional techniques do work best, it is distressing that school officials would tout "direct instruction" as among the best options.
In fact, recent studies have shown that the greatest advances in student learning come from the opposite–from the more creative, interactive teaching styles that emphasize hands-on activities, challenging discussions, and encourage teachers to be coaches rather than lecture machines. These studies also show that low-achieving, economically disadvantaged students benefit most from interactive instruction.
Skill-and-drill teaching methods occasionally produce short-term results, but ultimately fall far short. Rather than mandating more of it in hopes of creating idiot-proof classrooms, the Chicago Public Schools should focus on providing the kind of professional development that produces excellent teachers, and real learning opportunities for students.
© 2001 Chicago Sun Times
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