In this post, Alan Singer reviews a study conducted by SMU (Southern Methodist University) about the effectiveness of TFA teachers. He cites an earlier review of the same study by Gary Rubinstein and concludes with Gary that this study is not good news for TFA, even though TFA thinks it is.
Singer reviews the study and concludes:
“The other finding (?) is that “TFA alumni are generally more effective than non-TFA-affiliated peer teachers across all regions (as indicated by mostly blue indicators for that group).” There is a big problem with this finding. More than half of TFA corps members leave their initial placements in low-income schools after two years and only 60% even stay in the program for a third year to complete their contract. Five years after entering the program, 85% of former TFA corps members, the highly rated TFA alumni cohort, have either left teaching or after securing teacher certification have transferred to higher performing schools. Basically the TFA survivors, on the average, rate as more effective, because non-career corps members have already quit teaching and most of those who remain are working with students who already score higher on standardized tests.
“Although the Southern Methodist report did not call for disbanding Teach for America, it should have, based on the evidence. Maybe instead of corps members, TFA should just become a corpse.”
Diane Ravitch's blog 
Is there a single high profile, “public” TFA-er who veers from the ed reform party line?
Gary Rubenstein is one, if I count him, although all he has is a blog and he’s a volunteer. Is there another? Why is there so little diversity of opinion in such a big organization?
It sure seems like they’re indoctrinating folks, either that or they just accept people who already accept the ed reform doctrine, chapter and verse.
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Another good ex -TFA is Alex Caputo-Pearl, president of UTLA.
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Good ONE, Singer. TFA: Totally Fraudulent Assessment. So true.
Someone should do a study on “WHO are those folks are who are TEMPORARY WORKERS who grade those high stakes tests” and WHAT the conditions under which they must work.” I heard it is a SWEAT SHOP. I also wonder what non-disclosure agreements those temp workers must sign?
Some have suggested that I go be a GRADER to get the inside scoop and write an article. I can’t. I refuse to have my name associated with this garbage.
If I were an UNDERGROUND reporter with a FAKE identity then maybe I would do that, but I just cannot be a temporary worker grading high stakes tests in SHIFTS, even if just to see what goes on. Those grading centers are open from morning till 10 pm at night, at least in Longmont they are open that long. WOW….wonder how many workers there are at one time?
This could be a huge expose if someone is willing to do this. NOT ME, though I would be crying and I certainly cannot sign any non-disclosure agreement.
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As you know, Todd Farley exposed the shams in the testing industry. Years ago. No one listened. Maybe it’s time to re-issue his book, MAKING THE GRADES.
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TFA is guilty of the same type of faux research that conservative think tanks churn out. We have seen numerous illegitimate research from these groups before. At this point TFA is more of lobbying group than anything. They have never had any evidence to justify their teaching temps program.
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And to make sure TFA’s corpse doesn’t become a zombie, TFA must be created and the ashes shot into the sun.
I hope TFA’s ashes won’t destroy the sun.
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