Comments » 113

observer99 writes:

In other education debacle type news, WW Herenton, who is trying to open a string of charter schools, has had to put his house up for short sale for unpaid income taxes in 2009 and 2010.

Just say no to Herenton's operation.

Sonic98 writes:

First, I have to say that wrong is wrong. You can't cheat by having people take a test for you. It's sets a poor example, but I can say that I understand them somewhat. Now there is absolutely no excuse for new teachers, but I've heard complaints from people in several fields not just education about certifications. Many have the experience for the job, then lose a job or miss out on promotions and other benefits because they don't pass the same test as someone just out of school, so in that regard I can understand a teacher's frustration. That being said, it's too late now. Everyone involved has to either be fired or have to re-test and fired immediately if they test is not passed. Even then they would have to be on some type of probation or some other type of ongoing measurements.

Second, the article said this took place in three states, so I find it funny that people are quick to jump and say it's only happening in Memphis. I would doubt that it's happening outside of West TN to a small degree. It might surprised some of you to learn, that MCS students are not the only ones who have ever cheated. MCS teachers are not the only ones who have ever cheated or exaggerated resumes a little. I know most of you believe that everyone in the south and mid-south outside of Memphis is perfect, but that's not the case.

Sonic98 writes:

in response to fishnlawyr:

My guess is you are a county school graduate because, after reading the simple story, you can't come to a logical conclusion based upon what is written. You have to depend on your bigotry and bias.

Three states involved...and where does it say that the MCS administration was involved in the bogus test-taking.

And, being a Razorback, my guess is that you may not realize that Jonesboro is in Arkansas.

This is another in a long line of college board testing problems ranging from the proficiency tests beginning in middle schools through the ACT/SAT to the PRAXIS tests.

But why should you listen to reason and read the article. You already have your poison pen ready to strike at the heart of your enemies...or at the very least, the ones you feel are your inferiors... of which, in your opinion, the numbers are legion.

Yeah I agree. This is not just a Memphis problem. This is not just a high school problem. I'm sure this does take place in ACT/SAT testing all over the state. It probably happens for GRE and other test you would have to take for special programs or advanced degrees. Not only that some of the people who are supposed to be so perfect outside of West-TN are not as perfect as you think. A lot of them whether high school students, college students, or workers have gotten the GW Bush treatment or the SEC athlete treatment. In other words, there are some people you know should have earned Straight A's. There are some people in society who simply can not be allowed to fail.

jackburns writes:

Epic fail

inthegrove72#700117 writes:

in response to DayWalker:

So the lede says "dozens" and down into the story it says "fewer than 50."

Isn't that lede a bit misleading?

In your attempt to defend the indefensible, your very post has made you look as though you can't count and are unaware of the meaning of the word "dozen".


LngDstncTgrfan writes:

in response to picksix:

The Medical term for this disease is called the Derek Rose Syndrome.

I was going to mention Rose's episode but since that referred to the last great basketball season, of which I'm a fan, I couldn't pull it out of me to add it to my comments.

LngDstncTgrfan writes:

in response to no1hd#311467:

When will the list of thug teachers be posted..What will the charges be..No plea bargain, max penalty, fines and restitution..
Who was the mayor and school supers..

Hummm, another who associates anyone who breaks the law and are at the same time so called black are classified as a "thug." This was a white collar type crime. No violence, no threats, no robbery, just cheating. I won't say shame on you because you are.

LngDstncTgrfan writes:

The way people blow things out of proportion and exaggerate issues makes it plain easy to see why Reps can claim they need voter ID laws to prevent fraud where it doesn't exist. And whats even worse are cry babies that scream that the new laws prevent elderly people from going out to get a new ID to fill the requirement. Well instead of wasting time crying about it and waiting for lawsuits to fail, take the same amount of time you would take to vote to go and get an ID. Problem solved, its not too late and you'll have 2 victories...your own personal one and another Nov 6th, whomever you chose to vote for.

HoraceAndDewey writes:

in response to Tresfsh:

I agree with most of your questions...And probably some that you failed to ask..
But on #6, I do not find that the answer to this question makes or breaks a teacher..
My son taught for two years at a Fresh start school in Nashville with Teach for America. His students received the best from him and tested accordingly..
How many teachers in High School did you have more than once? And if you feel that all teachers should be older and seasoned... That is not going to happen!!

Students notice teachers who care enough to stick around for the long haul--even if they are only taught by them once! That is the way it used to be!

Students love to go back and visit their old teachers. A more caring environment is fostered at the school...a sense of community.

Most teachers, as in any profession, also learn by experience and get better at what they do if they are in a supportive school situation and are committed to staying in the field. It is what our country should value and be striving for.

If your son did so well at teaching, I am saddened--why didn't he stay a teacher? Was he in an over sized class? Was he not well enough prepared? Did he get tired of teaching to the test?

Creating a Peace Corp like revolving door teacher workforce for America's students is very poor. I believe it will have short and long-term negative consequences for students and the country.

It is also one of the many huge criticisms of Teach for America.

TruthBeTold writes:

It looks like Mumford has his jail face on. Sorry - you do the crime - you do the time.

fstub writes:

in response to LuckyGuy:

I had the great misfortune to work in a school where Clarence Munford was the vice principal very early in my teaching career (Early '90's... I have long since left that career for more lucrative and lower stress-filled pastures.) He approached me and asked if I would like to make extra money by taking state exams. I'm glad to see that his crimes have caught up with him. He was/is a disgrace to education.

You should have reported Munford to the authorities there and then. It might have stopped him in his tracks. As things are now, we have unqualified teachers working with kids who deserve better. Shame on you.

dwillia75 writes:

I don't understand why the teachers who hired someone to cheat for them are not fired. Why is only the scheme-director in trouble? The teachers need to be punished, too.

dwillia75 writes:

in response to SchoolThoughts:

If they can identify the teachers who were supposed to have taken these tests since 1995-2010, they should be fired immediately. Along with any current Memphis City Schools employees that took the tests for them.

These are my sentiments, exactly.
