Expert: James J. Kovalcin - 9/22/2005

Question
I am currently seeking my teaching degree and in one of my classes it says we must interview a teacher that has taught for over 20 years. My question is "What changes do you see in the roles of teachers, parents, and children?" What are some positive changes and some negative changes? Thank You for your time, Carla Autrey

Answer
Changes over 30 years! [Keep in mind that these coments apply to a typical middle class community. I cannot speak for inner city students.]
1. Parents are much more directly involved in their childrens educations. [Sometimes tis is good - sometimes bad.
2. Students are much more docile and obedient.
3. Strong students are stronger than ever.
4. Average students are weaker than they used to be.
5. Students, teachers and parents are faced with MANY more rules! Many of which are trivial and are counterproductive.
6. Much more communication between parents and teachers and between students and teachers is called for and is expected that ever before.
7. Both students and teachers [and probably administrators as well] are treated as if they were idiots and irresponsible. It is ironic that as the students and staff have become more docile and rule oriented the rules have become more prolific, not less.
If you would like to ask more specific questions feel free to email me at JimTHX@comcast.net.