As an example, I teach Computer Science, which the “engineering” teachers do NOT consider STEM. And why would they? They perceive my courses as eroding their student base. So, instead of working together, they do not feel that they need to give an inch—sounds like our current political climate, doesn’t it?

By the way, teaching is my 2nd career; I was a Computer Scientist (I guess I still am) for nearly 20 years before going to do something that I thought was meaningful for the next generation of students. Alas, it has not worked out that way because that is not the same thing as having been a classroom teacher for 20+ years, but the system rewards the later and discriminates against the former— advanced degrees notwithstanding.

At the end of the day, I have spent nearly 8 years talking about realistic career expectations; I have modeled what an accomplished, well-adjusted professional looks like, and more than a few students have gone on to graduate study. These were the few who would have soldiered on regardless, I fear.

Finally, I see no reason to be optimistic: Duncan is no different than the lot that came before him; in fact, I find the entire Obama crowd completely lacking in courage and vision. I suspect that they are frightened to cross the same people who created NCLB. Just throwing money into the STEM pot without changing the vision, I fear, will provide more than enough ammunition for the Obama detractors, But here’s the real tragedy; all of this comes at the expense of our most precious commodity, our students.

Ask yourself: Do you think that the Romanians, the Russians, the Germans, the Chinese or the French are wringing their hands over standardized test scores? To the extent that they even pay attention to what has happened here, they are loving it!

As an example, I teach Computer Science, which the “engineering” teachers do NOT consider STEM. And why would they? They perceive my courses as eroding their student base. So, instead of working together, they do not feel that they need to give an inch—sounds like our current political climate, doesn’t it?

By the way, teaching is my 2nd career; I was a Computer Scientist (I guess I still am) for nearly 20 years before going to do something that I thought was meaningful for the next generation of students. Alas, it has not worked out that way because that is not the same thing as having been a classroom teacher for 20+ years, but the system rewards the later and discriminates against the former— advanced degrees notwithstanding.

At the end of the day, I have spent nearly 8 years talking about realistic career expectations; I have modeled what an accomplished, well-adjusted professional looks like, and more than a few students have gone on to graduate study. These were the few who would have soldiered on regardless, I fear.

Finally, I see no reason to be optimistic: Duncan is no different than the lot that came before him; in fact, I find the entire Obama crowd completely lacking in courage and vision. I suspect that they are frightened to cross the same people who created NCLB. Just throwing money into the STEM pot without changing the vision, I fear, will provide more than enough ammunition for the Obama detractors, But here’s the real tragedy; all of this comes at the expense of our most precious commodity, our students.

Ask yourself: Do you think that the Romanians, the Russians, the Germans, the Chinese or the French are wringing their hands over standardized test scores? To the extent that they even pay attention to what has happened here, they are loving it!

I teach a careers class and find that most students feel they will walk into above average paying careers while they can’t fashion a cogent sentence. Understandably, students need good instruction…but…if you can’t convince the parents to endorse education, then, this is a lot of hot air…signifying nothing.

I teach a careers class and find that most students feel they will walk into above average paying careers while they can’t fashion a cogent sentence. Understandably, students need good instruction…but…if you can’t convince the parents to endorse education, then, this is a lot of hot air…signifying nothing.