Editorial #5

Summary: This article is about creating credible systems for evaluating teachers and principals. In many conventional schools, tenured teachers are evaluated only once every three or four years. Even at failing schools, nearly all teachers pass with flying colors. Some high-performing charter schools have major evaluations for every teacher at the end of each year. Additionally, teachers are observed very frequently and then receive feedback. They are evaluated based on planning, presentation, student test scores and more. In these schools, principals and teachers spend more time focussing on the educational portions of their jobs because other administrators take administrative responsibilities for them.

Opinion: I really like the idea of teachers being evaluated more often. Teachers feel very secure within their jobs and without evaluations, there isn't much motivation other than test scores to perform well daily. Perhaps if teachers felt the pressure to impress their superiors they might be more innovative in their teaching styles and engage students in different ways. Of course there are plenty of teachers who are innovative, and truly love teaching their students, but there will always be the others who have learned how to get by and put on a good presentation the day of an evaluation once every few years in the current system.

Editorial #4

Summary: Virginia governor Bob McDonnell won the election last year by a landslide. This was mainly due to his two campaign promises-better roads and better schools- without raising taxes. McDonnell often boasted about his multi-point plan that could be found on his website and how this set him apart from his opponent. So far, he has only made small proposals and essentially leaves the rest to the legislature.

Opinion: Without a plan for funding, McDonnell's "plan" was never truly realistic. Although he boasted about his multi-point plan, it obviously wasn't as simple as he suggested. He's made many small proposals and then claims a victory when many of them pass. Furthermore, he's playing it safe and leaving most of the work to the legislature. This way, he can deflect any criticism that may come from future decisions. I think McDonnell's relative inexperience dealing with economic issues is becoming apparent.

Link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/10/AR2010031003894.html?sid=ST2010031101710

Editorial #3

Summary: This editorial is about the Millennials (those 29 or younger) in comparison to Gen Xers ( 30-45) and older generations. There are many differences between us and the older generations. Studies show that the Millennials are the first truly digital generation with 3/4 of those over 18 having participated in a social networking site. Also 2/5 have tattoos in comparison to only 1/2 of Gen Xers and 1/7 of older Americans. A big difference is the number of Millennials who are veterans. 24% of older Americans were veterans, whereas now only 2% of Millennials have served. The focus then shifts from comparisons to the economic downturn's effect on our generation. Almost 37% of 18-29 years old are currently unemployed. The situation may only get worse as more baby boomers retire and taxes may increase to benefit programs like Socials Security and Medicare. For this, Millennials may become the "chump generation", suffering for their elder's economic sins.

Opinion: I agree completely with this article. Statistics can't be argued with. Obviously employment rates are increasing and the Millennials are faced with difficult economic times to begin their careers in. However, I do believe that this generation has the determination and diligence to be successful and achieve greatness despite poor conditions. If anything, those entering the workforce now know that they need to be great to succeed. The standards are set high.

Link:http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/07/AR2010030702681.html