Re: Teachers fired over FCAT help ...

[ShopMathEdu@aol.com]

In a message dated 6/5/2003 12:52:28 PM Central Daylight Time, Miami Herald 
writes:

>  Mary Hughey, who taught at Jupiter Elementary School in Palm Bay, and 
> Kimberlyn Fowles, a teacher at Gardendale Elementary School in Merritt Island, 
> did not have their annual contracts renewed by the Brevard County district.
> 
>    Also, a state Professional Practices review is being conducted to 
> determine if their teaching licenses will be suspended or revoked.
> 
>    Stacy Stinson, a third teacher who also admitted to helping her students 
> take the rigorous exam, remains on administrative leave. She had been working 
> in the school district's office in Viera until the school year ended.
> 

Dear ACT-NOW & ARN folks:

This kind of public humiliation of working people; teachers trying to assist 
their students and do their job the best they can, is outrageous.

Now, the names of teachers who are embroiled in standardized test scandals 
will be publicly broadcast just as though they were registered "sex offenders."  
They are subject to the same treatment.

Democratic-minded people really need to pay attention to these draconian 
measures.  The rulers and powers that be have no sense of humanity; of the 
uniqueness of each person and of each situation.  One size fits all.  Teachers 
accused of test-irregularities will be publicly humiliated just like parents who 
don't pay child support.  Students who miss a score by a single point will be 
penalized and miss an entire graduation.  They will end up pushedout without a 
diploma.

It's a good time to encourage your students, fellow teachers, neighbors, 
co-workers, family members to read "One Size Fits Few," Susan Ohanian, (Heinemann, 
1999).

I wish that there was some way we could be of assistance to the 
pistol-whipped teachers of Florida.  They are victims of corporate punishment and the 
Business Roundtable's corporate agenda.  Perhaps Gloria Pipkin of Florida has some 
suggestions.

Warmest peacebuilding greetings to one and all,

Steve Orel
Birmingham, AL