This week, some glimpses into the future (if not the present) of education:
Nicholas Kristof on how teacher quality impacts test scores and lifelong workplace earnings. Reading a study by the economists Raj Chetty, John Friedman, and Johan Rockoff. Kristof's willing to carry the evidence a bit further than the authors seem to be, so the actual report is worth a look. One cautionary piece from the exec summary: "For example, using VA in teacher evaluations could induce counterproductive responses that make VA a poorer measure of teacher quality, such as teaching to the test or cheating."
LearnerWeb is a nifty Web-based system, developed in Portland, that allows adult learners (from GED to ESOL students) to pace their own learning. Most breakthrough-ishly, students can cycle between online learning and real-life classes or tutoring led by real-life teachers. It attempts to mimic how most adults learn most things: by doing a little on their own, then taking a class or getting coaching, then doing more on their own. Endless possibilities, doesn't mean it's a panacea. Would be intrigued to see how interactive language learning (especially at the beginning levels) happens. Also, while it creates space for self-directed learning (very adult-friendly), how much can online portals respond to adults' individual needs, contexts, concerns?
And finally, a short but hopeful column at the Boston Globe about Active Minds, which is trying to raise mental health awareness, make talking about such issues okay, and prevent suicide. Student-led. More power.
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