The teachers in Brazil said they would not give tests that did nothing to help their students.
They would not give tests that harm their students by giving them demeaning labels.
Testing is not teaching.
They said they are professionals and cannot be driven to do things that are wrong and violate their professional ethics.
Remember the Hippocratic Oath: “At least do no harm.”
Teachers must do the same as a minimum, to protect the children who are in their care.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
Question is why don’t our union leaders forcefully object to Obama/Duncan policies and recommend U.S. teachers do the same as those in Brazil? Instead they throw support to the administration for the upcoming elections. Pathetic.
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I would hanker to bet that most of the teachers in Brazil probably have heard about/read a certain education expert from their own country who coined the phrase “the banking mode” of education.
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You’d be talking about PAULO FREIRE. He is very little known, little publicized and little studied. I speak of this as a “Freireano” Specialist. and this starting government is now putting the Libertarian Pedagogy on the stake. Brazil is entering an obscure period. RELEASE US … WORLD LOOK AT GROWING FASCISM IN BRAZIL !!!!
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It would be a shame if teachers in other countries stood their ground and not here.
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So why isn’t it happening here???
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Ask yoursel and your friends that question
Diane Ravitch
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That is the question. I know many who have their head in the sand. This will not affect us mentality. I know some who are afraid and I know some who are easily manipulated. Generally speaking many are passive and/or intimidated. I keep getting the word out every day thanks to Diane and all of you.
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I’m retired along with most of my friends. I attend rallies in support of teachers. I respond to articles about education especially when I feel they unfairly attack teachers and public education such as Friedman’s recent article about “Average Is Over”. I sent him an email and recommended he read your book. I’ve complained to union leaders for both AFT and the UFT for not taking a stronger stand against standardized testing, charter schools, vouchers and privatization. I’m one of the complainants to CNN asking that they offer you airtime to respond to the Rhee interview. I’ve also sent many emails to the “reformer” crowd such as Rhee about the harm they’re doing to public education. I tell anyone who’ll listen, especially teachers about my concerns and recommend they do the same. I don’t know what else to do.
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Keep doing what you are doing. If every teacher–retired or active or prospective–and every parent did the same, we’d turn this country around.
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Mike,
I am still teaching and I try every day. Some people look at me like I am nuts, but I don’t care anymore. I’d rather go down fighting than give in to nonsense.
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Diane @ 3:20.
I wish it were so but I don’t know that teachers and parents by themselves can “turn this country around”. At the moment we need to focus on those attacking public education and those who are so complacent/scared to not speak out. No, it’s going to take a hell of a lot more than just the educators and parents but it’s a good start.
Duane
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This is actually in response to Michael, but should be after his comment stating all that he does.
Michael, good for you and keep on doing it, as Diane said.
Additionally, though, here is some info.:
In Chicago, I spoke w/a retired CPS teacher who is one of a number of CPS teachers helping the newer teachers to get ready for a strike.
Mind you, the teachers are fighting for LOTS more (for their students) than just salaries and benefits. They are trying to help community members get back an elected school board; they are working on obtaining a quality longer school day (something that has been agreed to with the statement that more new teachers will be hired), and many other conditions to improve students’ lives that are too numerous to list here.
A group of retired teachers in Rockford, IL (W.E.E.-Watchdogs for Ethics in Education) banded together to help oust Rockford’s destructive Broad superintendent (she WAS ousted!). They filed an FOIA, attended school board meetings and took copious notes, did research and homework, and presented their fact-finding, which
resulted in the well-deserved send-off. This is something that the active teachers simply couldn’t have pulled off (due to the time–which they didn’t have–they’re teaching, remember? and fear of retribution/being fired).
As for myself, I have been involved in special education advocacy,
doing the same things you do, Michael, and talking to active teachers, giving them advice and encouragement. I also organize and help people make connections.
There’s LOTS to be done out there!
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Diane,
Consider posting an update to Stepanie Rivera’s blog. She met with SFER and they continue their spin. She is not easily fooled. Good comments as well:
http://teacherunderconstruction.com/2012/08/09/meeting-with-sfer-program-directors/#comment-778
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done
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Duane, we still have not even tried yet. We have been making a tiny bit of noise here and there. If teachers and parents stood together we could stop this in a heartbeat.
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This is why it’s essential to take a stand against Common Core. It’s a recipe for disaster and a way to destroy the teaching profession.
They are pushing Constructivism and this project based/group learning. It’s nothing but a set up for failure.
How on earth are kids supposed to learn from each other ?? Teachers as facilitators is what Common Core is pushing. No one is going to pay for a babysitter!! Kids teaching kids only angers parents and students.
Article on Common Core implementation in Watauga County, NC. The usual double-speak. On the one hand they quote the curriculum director saying: “I think one of the best ways I’ve heard it explained is, we tell you the ‘what to teach’ but not the ‘how to teach it,’”
Later in the article, the Superintendent is quoted: “Superintendent David Kafitz said he’s excited to see more project-based learning, “where the teacher steps out of the role of the sole giver of knowledge into the role of facilitator, coach, mentor.” ”
http://www2.wataugademocrat.com/News/story/New-year-new-curriculum-id-008647
When this is a complete failure, they’ll have their excuse to allow computers to teach the kids!
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A teacher fills many roles in the learning process. Sometimes they are the “sole giver of knowledge’. Sometimes they are facilitators, coaches or mentors. One way does not reach every child.There are times when the role changes within a class period. The roles often change within a day. Each child learns differently.
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Kathy1, the problem is when the pedagogy is dictated. When I have teachers telling me they are reprimanded if they teach for 15 mins vs 10 mins, it’s clear those decisions are not going to be made by the teacher!
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Gotca! That I am in total agreement! It would have driven me nuts. I tell teachers that!
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*Gotcha
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