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29 October 2004: The Schools Are Burning (4 of 6)
So, the policy makers, being the ones with access to the microphone, are clearly not responsible for the demise of California schools. Who should we look to next? Administrators.
I realize that I am incredibly critical of those who have chosen to manage public schools. However, I believe this to be an immeasurably difficult while vitally important position. Much like an overcrowded, under-funded school in India, NCLB legislation seems to have stripped public school administrators of the powers that would enable their effectiveness.
Teacher hiring practices, school materials and curricula, standardized tests and school accountability measures have all been created, changed, or affected by NCLB. The end result is most often a principal who spends their time stamping out sparks, knowing that the school is burning, but not having the authority to call the fire department.
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