I just got the results back from the Praxis exam I took a month a go. I passed the Technology Education exam (0050). I'm glad that I took it (and passed) for my own professional development, as I have wanted to be considered a highly qualified teacher (HQT) in this area. According to the NJ State requirements, I am now highly qualified: http://www.state.nj.us/education/profdev/nclb/hqtcharts.pdf
However, I find it disconcerting that Tech Ed teachers are not required to demonstrate expertise in becoming highly qualified (while other subjects and education generalists are). In President Obama's recent State of the Union address, he emphasied the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education in keeping America competitive in the 21st century global economy. Here's part of the transcript from npr.org:
"Over the next 10 years, nearly half of all new jobs will require education that goes beyond a high school education. And yet, as many as a quarter of our students aren't even finishing high school. The quality of our math and science education lags behind many other nations...We want to reward good teachers and stop making excuses for bad ones. (Applause.) And over the next 10 years, with so many baby boomers retiring from our classrooms, we want to prepare 100,000 new teachers in the fields of science and technology and engineering and math. (Applause.)"
So why is it that we aren't demanding more from our schools NOW? We can't afford to wait ten years. Why shouldn't technology educators be held to the same standards as other subject area teachers? I guess it's because technological aptitude isn't assessed (unbelievably) on standardized tests in America. In my opinion, technology education is as important as Language Arts in providing students with marketable 21st century skills. In my experience, I have met many "old guard" teachers who are woefully unprepared to meet the demands of today's students in regards to providing stimulating, tech-based activities in their lesson plans. In general, I tend to disagree with Governor Christie's approach to education reform, but he may be right that some teachers abuse their tenure (by not continuing to improve their own skill set in keeping with rapidly evolving times). For instance, to compare teaching to another profession - medicine, you wouldn't want your doctor diagnosing your ailment with a 30 year old (or more) approach (or technology). Being a parent myself, I certainly would not want my child attending a school where its approach to technology was antiquated (or non-existent).
In my opinion also, school districts should make it a priority that a higher percentage of professional development time be devoted to augmenting the tech skills of educators as well as administrators. Too often, PD is wasted on the abstract, instead of supplying teachers with boots-on-the-ground skill augmentation.
It's worse in adult education. You're right about technology being as important as Language Arts and other subjects. In adult education centers, for example, we are teaching adults English and GED, but they still won't be able to compete int the labor market because technology is not part of the curriculum. In today's world, even applying for a job IS ONLINE!!! There are still people today who don't have the basic skills needed for the most simple jobs...
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! While I agree that everyone should be held to the standard of being highly qualified there is only that one Praxis for Ed Tech which really applies to High School only. School's set their own requirements for this field of teachers as long as they are preK-8th grade.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on passing the Praxis! I don't think it's just tech ed. I feel that it is often too easy to become a teacher, in general (alternate route.) I know a lot of people who have used teaching as a second career, not that that is a bad thing, but it was almost like it was something to fall back on when their first career choice went sour.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone! @Nicole - I hear what you're saying about it becoming too easy, although I went alternate route after many years of dissatisfaction in the private sector and I can say that I am more dedicated to my profession now than I ever was. I am so thankful that the alternate route program exists. Meanwhile, I see many teachers who don't care to advance their skill sets and keep pace with the times (most of whom went to 4 year college degree programs to become teachers). I actually think working in the private sector previously benefits me now as a teacher, as I have such a broad range of experiences to draw from when designing and delivering lessons (that translate to real-world applications).
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