Amarillo Globe-News opinion page arch-wingnut Dave Henry attempted to show uncharacteristic compassion and understanding this morning by arguing that educator cheating on TAKS tests is caused by the stakes:
[W]hat choice do educators have?
When your job is dictated more or less by how well a student can answer a multiple choice question on how many yards are in 36 feet of decorative room border or write an essay on "The thing that makes me happy" in complete sentences, you want to make sure all bases are covered.
You might even cheat.
At the same time, educators throughout the state are receiving “reminders” from the Texas Education Agency that threaten certificate revocation, fines, jail terms, broken legs, cement overshoes, sensory deprivation, leashes, electrocution, and sexual organ ridicule to any teacher who cheats on the TAKS. Although the “reminder” includes a Jesse Jackson-esque couplet suggesting that most outstanding results are reason to “investigate, not litigate,” the overall tone is punitive and threatening.
Henry’s “compassion” and TEA’s intimidation are two sides of the same coin, and, since this is education in Texas we’re talking about, that coin is a penny. Henry suggests that teachers are incapable of rising above their own short-sighted needs to commit ethical acts. TEA seems to believe that teachers won’t act ethically unless they are browbeaten.
Most teachers consider their ethical responsibilities daily, just like most doctors act according to their Hippocratic Oath, and most lawyers don’t shoot methamphetamine between court appearances. Henry, TEA, and the public should understand that schools will improve when the vast majority of good teachers are treated as professionals. Of course, you have to start by treating us as adults.
SPACEDARK
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