@Paul – Great points, and ones that I’ve faced … not always successfully … in my transition into administration. But you’re right to point out that the most powerful education systems are ones that will embrace methodological integrity as a core value, from teacher PD to classroom instruction. Sorry to hear you’re not getting credit for your PLN experiences — they are so valuable!

I’ll never forget one of my favorite moments in education. About ten years ago, I realized that my license was up for renewal and I was a few technology credits short. Being as how I’ve always been out in front on technology, I asked permission to do an independent study on moviemaking in the classroom.

The response: Nope. You’ve got to take one of the courses we’re offering.

So I checked the course listing only to find that the only two courses being offered in time for my renewal were “Getting to Know Your Computer” and “Getting to Know the Internet.”

Realizing that these courses would do nothing for my own learning or to improve the learning in my classroom simply because they were beneath my skills, I called back and asked again for permission to design and document an independent study. The conversation went like this:

“I won’t learn anything from the courses you’re offering.”

“That’s too bad, Mr. Ferriter. You need to take them.”

“So this really isn’t about whether I learn anything?”

“No Mr. Ferriter. It’s about keeping your license.”

“But how does that make sense? Wouldn’t it be better if I actually learned something while keeping my license?”

“Take the courses, Mr. Ferriter.”

“Even if they’re beneath my skill level?”

“Take the courses, Mr. Ferriter.”

Crazy, isn’t it? But the message was clear: Filling the required obligations was more important that my own professional growth.

Now, I don’t hold this against my district or even the person I was talking to on the phone. There ARE requirements that teachers have to meet and there ISN’T much flexibility in how those requirements are to be met.

But I do hold it against policymakers who are unwilling to have an open mind about what learning for teachers can look like. The messages sent to teachers when requirements are more important than learning are ironic at best and downright moronic at worst.

Bill

PS: I took both courses. Learned what a mouse was and how to create Word documents. Also learned about this nifty little thing called “The World Wide Web.” Have you heard of it? Remarkable stuff.