By guest blogger Leanne Link, communications assistant at the Center for Teaching Quality
We already knew that teachers need more time, but this month’s Roundtable participants explained exactly why they want that time—and how they’d spend it. Here are some highlights from their conversation:
Summer Enrichment: Paul Barnwell suggests slightly extending the summer to offer authentic, project-based learning classes.
Fewer Tests: If only a representative sample of students took standardized tests—as is the case in Finland—we’d save time and money, writes Dedy Fauntleroy.
Longer School Year: Brooke Peters supports lengthening the school year so that students of all income levels can experience the same academic opportunities year-round.
24/7 Learning: As an online teacher, Shannon C’de Baca has found that helping her students master concepts and skills requires flexible scheduling.
New Measurements: Mark Sass urges decision makers to move away from the Carnegie Unit and measure competency instead of seat time.
Hybrid Roles: Jessica Keigan‘s teacherpreneur position allows her to spend half her day teaching and half her day leading policy efforts—a productive combination.
Scheduled Collaboration: Dedy Fauntleroy envisions a future in which teacher collaboration and prep time is built into the school day.