Missouri State Teachers Association

Top 100 U.S. High Schools

     U.S. News and World Report recently joined the ranks of other newspapers and journals by publishing a list of what they perceive to be the top 100 high schools in our country.  I have some questions:  Why are lists like these necessary?  What good results from these lists?  And are journalists the best source of information regarding the quality of public education?

     Sure, they enlisted the aid of a school evaluation service.  But admittedly, they used only three criteria to judge a relatively small number of our nation's 18.000 or so high schools.

     This issue of U.S. News may just have to line the bottom of the bird cage.

Teacher Experience Counts. Duh!

     In an article that really just amounts to another argument for good mentoring programs, the obvious is stated:  "Teacher experience, and not advanced degrees, has a greater effect on how well students succeed. . ."

     However, during the holiday season, first-year teachers are moving through the phases of anticipation and survival to disillusionment with the profession.  In fact, over the winter break, some will be making the crucial decision whether or not to continue a career in education.  So they may never garner the experience needed to be effective instructional leaders in the classroom.

     This is the time to remind everyone that good mentors armed with solid programs can rejuvenate these folks.  Students deserve teachers who (through practice, practice, practice) develop into masters of their craft.

Commit to Quality Schools Gets Boost

     The first round of Commit to Quality Schools petitions were presented at the 2007 MSTA Assembly of Delegates with enthusiastic applause.  And cheers grew in volume when Missouri Speaker of the House Rod Jetton put his name to one and pledged his sponsorship of legislation that would establish a statewide salary schedule for teachers.  What a boost for this campaign!

     However, there is still work to be accomplished.  Let's double our 24,000 signatures by the time MSTA members converge on the capitol Tuesday, February 26.  I challenge every MSTA chapter, each MSTA member, to mail in at least as many signatures in round two of the petition drive as were garnered in the initial days of the campaign.

     Association field representatives are ready to assist local chapters with events and programs geared to make the public aware of the mission of Commit to Quality Schools.  Contact them via email or by calling 1-800-392-0532.