sumneram
State Sen. Diane Black on Gordon's seat: "I am giving it some consideration. It is something I have thought about for a number of years."
Monday, December 14, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Should we pay teachers more?
This is an age-old argument in education reform.
Should teachers make more money? Will paying teachers more improve student achievement? Will it increase retention? Will it make teachers happier and thus more likely to perform at a consistently high level.
Many people now say we don't need more money to improve education. And these same people argue that paying teachers more will not improve outcomes.
Here's what I find interesting. Many of these very same people argue that we can't have so-called "government-run" healthcare because it will limit the salaries doctors can make. They say that the best and brightest are attracted to medicine because it is challenging, impacts people's lives, and is financially rewarding.
I tend to think this argument makes some sense. Smart, talented people want a job that is challenging, that maximizes their talents, that has a big impact, and that rewards them for their effort.
So, why do we continue to pay teachers so little? If we believe that the smartest, most talented people will gravitate toward careers that provide significant financial rewards (law, medicine, engineering, business), what statement are we making by paying teachers low salaries?
Conversely, if we want more bright math minds in our schools, more talented writers teaching our children to write, shouldn't we provide them with an opportunity that is challenging, has a big impact, and is rewarding financially?
Teaching is definitely challenging. And it definitely can have a big impact. But when given an array of choices among jobs that meet those two criteria, how likely are the best and brightest to choose the least financially rewarding?
I'm not suggesting we make teachers the highest paid professionals in America (though they do have stewardship of our children for a long period of time). I am suggesting that if we truly want to improve outcomes and attract the best to the profession, we should expect to pay for it.
Starting salaries in the mid-40s to 50s and increases based on performance measures to get the best teachers above $100,000 a year. Good teachers could make $75,000 or more.
Even at the level I'm describing, we're not making teaching the most financially rewarding field. In fact, it may still be on the lower end of the scale. But it certainly makes teaching competitive with other professions that attract the best students our colleges have to offer.
Should teachers make more money? Will paying teachers more improve student achievement? Will it increase retention? Will it make teachers happier and thus more likely to perform at a consistently high level.
Many people now say we don't need more money to improve education. And these same people argue that paying teachers more will not improve outcomes.
Here's what I find interesting. Many of these very same people argue that we can't have so-called "government-run" healthcare because it will limit the salaries doctors can make. They say that the best and brightest are attracted to medicine because it is challenging, impacts people's lives, and is financially rewarding.
I tend to think this argument makes some sense. Smart, talented people want a job that is challenging, that maximizes their talents, that has a big impact, and that rewards them for their effort.
So, why do we continue to pay teachers so little? If we believe that the smartest, most talented people will gravitate toward careers that provide significant financial rewards (law, medicine, engineering, business), what statement are we making by paying teachers low salaries?
Conversely, if we want more bright math minds in our schools, more talented writers teaching our children to write, shouldn't we provide them with an opportunity that is challenging, has a big impact, and is rewarding financially?
Teaching is definitely challenging. And it definitely can have a big impact. But when given an array of choices among jobs that meet those two criteria, how likely are the best and brightest to choose the least financially rewarding?
I'm not suggesting we make teachers the highest paid professionals in America (though they do have stewardship of our children for a long period of time). I am suggesting that if we truly want to improve outcomes and attract the best to the profession, we should expect to pay for it.
Starting salaries in the mid-40s to 50s and increases based on performance measures to get the best teachers above $100,000 a year. Good teachers could make $75,000 or more.
Even at the level I'm describing, we're not making teaching the most financially rewarding field. In fact, it may still be on the lower end of the scale. But it certainly makes teaching competitive with other professions that attract the best students our colleges have to offer.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Charter School Incubator coming to Nashville...
Here's the story from Nashville Biz Journal
not clear whether this is a state or local iniative, though in light of legislation that passed in 2009, it might make sense for their to be a statewide focus on expanding the number of Charter Schools across the state.
not clear whether this is a state or local iniative, though in light of legislation that passed in 2009, it might make sense for their to be a statewide focus on expanding the number of Charter Schools across the state.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Ward's Out
THANK YOU!
After careful consideration and consultation with my wife Shelley, I wanted to let you know that I am discontinuing immediately my candidacy for Governor of Tennessee.
Your support in this period of political rigidity afforded my start. Thank you. I was the first Democratic candidate to enter the race, to speak at every opportunity throughout the state and the only candidate overall and thus far to set forth a specific, detailed, written plan for the state.
One year ago I entered this race to address our economic challenges of spending our money against ourselves. We source our energy from other states, constricting job growth and impeding technological progress while perpetuating damage to health and environment. Our K-12 education system loses about one-third of students while seeking self-validation and more funding. Two-thirds of our healthcare expenditures emanate from self-inflicted disease, which can be attributed to food sourcing and quality, while ignoring local and organic initiatives, branding and pricing opportunities for our 500,000 local farmers and distributors. We are a tourism state, yet mountain top removal is legal, and we lack a bottle-bill. Plus, we are a primary trans-shipment leader, but we ignore high-speed rail initiatives emerging in states surrounding us that would significantly complement tourism, build revenues and create jobs.
Traveling across the state, speaking to, and meeting with thousands of Tennesseans convinced me further of our acute challenges and the urgency of aligning our assets with our opportunities. Despite significant personal time, money and appeal of my vision for the state, long-standing political alliances proved impenetrable and fund raising ground to a halt, effectively ending the campaign.
Meanwhile, the world economy moves on and other states become increasingly strategic. With one year until our 2010 general election, I will return to private business. I will spend time with my family. I will remain active. Although I have not had a political career, I urge anyone who perceives a calling or the need to jump in and run. I am glad I did. I am grateful to you for helping. I look forward to seeing you soon. In the meantime, many, MANY thanks.
Sincerely,
Ward
After careful consideration and consultation with my wife Shelley, I wanted to let you know that I am discontinuing immediately my candidacy for Governor of Tennessee.
Your support in this period of political rigidity afforded my start. Thank you. I was the first Democratic candidate to enter the race, to speak at every opportunity throughout the state and the only candidate overall and thus far to set forth a specific, detailed, written plan for the state.
One year ago I entered this race to address our economic challenges of spending our money against ourselves. We source our energy from other states, constricting job growth and impeding technological progress while perpetuating damage to health and environment. Our K-12 education system loses about one-third of students while seeking self-validation and more funding. Two-thirds of our healthcare expenditures emanate from self-inflicted disease, which can be attributed to food sourcing and quality, while ignoring local and organic initiatives, branding and pricing opportunities for our 500,000 local farmers and distributors. We are a tourism state, yet mountain top removal is legal, and we lack a bottle-bill. Plus, we are a primary trans-shipment leader, but we ignore high-speed rail initiatives emerging in states surrounding us that would significantly complement tourism, build revenues and create jobs.
Traveling across the state, speaking to, and meeting with thousands of Tennesseans convinced me further of our acute challenges and the urgency of aligning our assets with our opportunities. Despite significant personal time, money and appeal of my vision for the state, long-standing political alliances proved impenetrable and fund raising ground to a halt, effectively ending the campaign.
Meanwhile, the world economy moves on and other states become increasingly strategic. With one year until our 2010 general election, I will return to private business. I will spend time with my family. I will remain active. Although I have not had a political career, I urge anyone who perceives a calling or the need to jump in and run. I am glad I did. I am grateful to you for helping. I look forward to seeing you soon. In the meantime, many, MANY thanks.
Sincerely,
Ward
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Kim's for Roy
Dear Andy,
I would like to offer Senator Roy Herron and his wife my best wishes on his Congressional campaign in the 8th district. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Congressman John Tanner for his many years of public service, and I wish him the best in his retirement. I know Senator Herron will be an exceptional Member of Congress, and I will be honored to have him represent the 8th district and the great state of Tennessee for many years to come.
Senator Herron and I share a vision for our great state; the desperate need for unity, for finding common ground and coming together are important to both of us. Today, I hope we can begin moving our state forward.
Very Truly Yours,
Kim
This is a nice endorsement and could be the beginning of clearing the Dem. field for Herron. It could also be an attempt by McMillan to claim Herron's supporters as her own -- to claim the mantle of populist in the Democratic field. Wonder how that will work out?
I would like to offer Senator Roy Herron and his wife my best wishes on his Congressional campaign in the 8th district. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Congressman John Tanner for his many years of public service, and I wish him the best in his retirement. I know Senator Herron will be an exceptional Member of Congress, and I will be honored to have him represent the 8th district and the great state of Tennessee for many years to come.
Senator Herron and I share a vision for our great state; the desperate need for unity, for finding common ground and coming together are important to both of us. Today, I hope we can begin moving our state forward.
Very Truly Yours,
Kim
This is a nice endorsement and could be the beginning of clearing the Dem. field for Herron. It could also be an attempt by McMillan to claim Herron's supporters as her own -- to claim the mantle of populist in the Democratic field. Wonder how that will work out?
Roy's Running!
For Congress:
Andy,
Tonight, my longtime friend and Congressman, John Tanner, announced he will not seek re-election to Tennessee’s 8th District.Given the challenges facing this nation, this state, and this congressional district, I feel like I can help make a difference by serving in Congress. And so, I want to let you know immediately of my decision to run.You deserve a much fuller explanation of my decision than I can give at this late hour. I will be back in touch with you soon to share more. For now, I respectfully ask for your consideration, your support, and your prayers.
Your friend,
Roy
Just hours after Tanner announced his retirement, Roy was in. I suspect there were phone calls to Mike McWherter and Lowe Finney and perhaps to Jim Kyle, etc.
I would think this closes the Democratic primary. Herron has represented most of this congressional district in the House and then Senate for over 20 years. His getting out of the Governor's race helps Mike McWherter shore up West TN. It also helps Herron's Senate colleague, Jim Kyle. Now, Kyle can solidify his Memphis base and build support in Middle and East TN among voters who may have preferred Herron over McWherter.
I thought Herron had a good shot of pulling an upset and winning the Democratic primary for Governor.
I think he is in the odds-on favorite to win the 8th District Congressional seat - his profile is perfect for the district, his family traces its history in the area back seven generations, and he's proven time and again that he can beat the Republicans who run in this area. Plus, Herron is a tireless campaigner. And now, he'll be campaigning in his own back yard.
Should Herron win, either Judy Barker or Mark Maddox (or both) seem likely to run to replace him in the state Senate.
Andy,
Tonight, my longtime friend and Congressman, John Tanner, announced he will not seek re-election to Tennessee’s 8th District.Given the challenges facing this nation, this state, and this congressional district, I feel like I can help make a difference by serving in Congress. And so, I want to let you know immediately of my decision to run.You deserve a much fuller explanation of my decision than I can give at this late hour. I will be back in touch with you soon to share more. For now, I respectfully ask for your consideration, your support, and your prayers.
Your friend,
Roy
Just hours after Tanner announced his retirement, Roy was in. I suspect there were phone calls to Mike McWherter and Lowe Finney and perhaps to Jim Kyle, etc.
I would think this closes the Democratic primary. Herron has represented most of this congressional district in the House and then Senate for over 20 years. His getting out of the Governor's race helps Mike McWherter shore up West TN. It also helps Herron's Senate colleague, Jim Kyle. Now, Kyle can solidify his Memphis base and build support in Middle and East TN among voters who may have preferred Herron over McWherter.
I thought Herron had a good shot of pulling an upset and winning the Democratic primary for Governor.
I think he is in the odds-on favorite to win the 8th District Congressional seat - his profile is perfect for the district, his family traces its history in the area back seven generations, and he's proven time and again that he can beat the Republicans who run in this area. Plus, Herron is a tireless campaigner. And now, he'll be campaigning in his own back yard.
Should Herron win, either Judy Barker or Mark Maddox (or both) seem likely to run to replace him in the state Senate.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Memphis City Schools: Moving Forward
There is a HUGE opportunity for Memphis City Schools to transform into one of our nation's premier urban districts -- if the Teacher Effectiveness Initiative works, it will dramatically change Memphis City Schools.
The change won't happen in 1 year. OR 3. But, if sustained, it will happen. And it could be a model.
The change won't happen in 1 year. OR 3. But, if sustained, it will happen. And it could be a model.
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