Some of us at The Somerville News are “life long democrats”, but it boggles our minds that the state Senate recently voted purely via party lines on a bill (S 271 – Allow appeals by teachers who fail certification test) which gives a teacher an appeal process to the Commissioner of Education because they couldn’t pass a certification test three times.
We love teachers, please don’t get us wrong – but how can we impose such a high level of double standard? Do our kids get to appeal when they just miss MCAS scores or fail a class here and there and can’t graduate (whether from high school or just to the next grade)?
There are plenty of us out there who have professional licenses – from doctors to real estate agents – does that mean we can test a number of times and get an automatic appeal because we really do deserve a chance to show what we are worth?
The thought of someone taking our appendix out who got their medical license by appeal because they couldn’t pass the test three times is scary. How about taking it one further – a judge, who was once an attorney, who got his or her license to practice law by appeal because they couldn’t pass the bar three times – now gets the chance to show what they’re worth in the important process of legal interpretation and implementation in our society.
Oh sure, now you’re thinking “oh they’re just being extremists” – and maybe we are – but to those who would dare to say that - we ask you one simple question: “how important is your children’s education?”
As a lawyer (who passed the bar first time!!) I should tell you that there is no limit of the amount of times you can retake the Bar exam in Mass. I am pretty sure this is true in most states. Personally I think that is absurd. It should be 2 chances or out. Remember Joe Pesci in My Cousin Vinny failed the bar 14 times.
Having said that, the Bar exam is no joke and does require 2 months of 10 hour days going to lectures and independent studying. It is a gruelling exam.
The certification exam for a teacher is hardly comparable in difficulty. Again we see Dems who are supported by teachers unions doing what is good for the union members, and not what should be done. As you say, you wouldn't want a three time exam failure representing you in court or performing surgery on you. So why would you want them teaching your kids?
Posted by: JPM | April 12, 2008 at 09:22 AM
How is this not a triumph of politics over kids' best interests? I can only think of two reasons why an aspiring teacher couldn't pass the certification exam in three tries: (1) They don't care enough to prepare adequately, or (2) They don't have the intellectual capacity to pass the test. In either case, they're not what our kids need. What am I missing?
Posted by: Bill Shelton | April 13, 2008 at 12:12 AM
Bill:
I don't know what you're missing (nothing I think), but I do know what the teachers (by means of their union and politician-supporters) are missing...ACCOUNTABILITY!
Posted by: Not sure | April 14, 2008 at 08:34 AM
To the lawyer who passed the bar exam the first time. Obviously, it didn't do you much good if you have time to be involved in silly postings like this.
Posted by: taxpayer | April 14, 2008 at 01:40 PM
lol...so we have stupid teachers to teach stupid kids? what's the problem?? If they worked at a real job they would be FIRED.
If you can't pass the test then get another job. Obviously you are NOT qualified to teach.
In another matter, our legislators are morons too..did you see how long their sessions were this past week? the most was 25 minutes...25 minutes for the whole day!
Was little Carl out where he shouldn't be? Will someone PLEASE run against him...he is a moron....damn I thought Vinny C was bad but this guy is unbelievable.
Posted by: dingo | April 21, 2008 at 03:32 PM