Changes needed for teacher tenure
Gov. Bredesen’s position requiring 51 percent of the points needed to grant teacher tenure be derived from student achievement shows he misunderstands the education process.
Student achievement is based on a combination of three factors: teacher effectiveness, student attitude, and parent participation. The teacher has no control over the latter two. While the TEA figure of 35 percent is closer to the appropriate valuation, it too places excessive emphasis on failure rates and standardized tests.
The TEA overemphasizes the granting of unrestricted tenure. In my 22 years of teaching experience, I noticed at least one tenured teacher in every school who is marginally competent or worse.
Some have lost interest due to impossible working conditions, inadequate compensation, and unrealistic expectations. Others have allowed themselves to become professionally senile. But tenured teachers can be removed from the teaching environment only when they demonstrate substance abuse, criminal behavior, or culpable stupidity.
The professional association must develop standards to evaluate when the privilege of tenure is reviewed and appropriate actions taken.
Both sides need to descend from their ivory towers to the battlefield where ignorance is fought and concentrate on the necessities of a world-class education system, worthy of additional funding.
CARL HANSEN
GMC, not GMAC, makes vehicles
The editorial “Cars, America’s love affair” (Jan. 17) states that GM’s Chevrolets, Buicks and Cadillacs survive, along with GMAC models. GMAC never made cars or trucks. GMAC stands for General Motors Acceptance Corporation and is GM’s financial corporation. It should have read GMC. Shame on you for letting this get past your proofreaders.
JIM SISK
Warming problem still misunderstood
You and columnist Walter Williams continue to misunderstand the global warming problem. On Sunday, you stated, “Have you noticed how nearly all weather phenomena … are called ‘proof of global warming’?” and then state that those who believe in it say that cold, normal, and warm weather are “proof of global warming.” Not so; they simply note that global warming does not mean every day brings warmer weather.
Short periods of normal weather neither prove nor disprove global warming. Nor does colder weather, or even short spells of warmer weather. They just demonstrate that weather will vary, even when the overall trend is toward higher temperatures.
Likewise, Walter Williams claimed on Sunday that “(global warming) pronouncements are to be accepted on … faith as opposed to hard evidence.” Williams appears to prefer ignoring the evidence. It’s one thing to disagree with the interpretation of data, another to pretend that it doesn’t exist. Then he states “The … idea that mankind can make significant parametric changes to the Earth has to be the height of arrogance.” It is Williams who is being arrogant, especially when he declares that “it’s stupid to think that mankind’s activities can (change) the Earth’s temperature.”
KARL HUNT
Report litterers to keep area clean
I recently went to East Ridge, and the amount of trash on the streets and sidewalks was appalling. I am dismayed at the amount of litter in Chattanooga, too.
On a recent trip that included Rotorua, New Zealand, I saw a total of three cigarette butts on the ground; mind you, I didn’t set out to count them, but the difference was so stark that I couldn’t help noticing it.
Anyone who sees a person littering from a car can report it confidentially by calling 877-854-8837 (877-8LITTER). Scenic Cities Beautiful will then send a letter to the offender to try to educate him or her about taking better care of our community and planet.
Yes, we have far more serious local and world problems, but this is about considering others (i.e., not leaving any eyesore for them), community pride, and caring for our environment and world. Perhaps if we were more conscientious in small things, we also would be more careful where bigger issues are concerned.
BETSY CHESNEY
U.S. now the new Third World nation
At last we can see the transparency of this administration that Obama promised.
The crooked back-room deals that buy the vote of a chosen few.
The closed-door Democrat-only ObamaCare we can’t afford.
It’s not about health care, it’s about taking over another part of our lives by big government.
The tax dollar payoffs that have not created jobs.
The takeover and bailout of big companies.
It’s quite evident with the companies giving out big bonuses, we did not charge enough interest on our tax dollars.
The “change” Obama’s campaign ran on is now happening. Welcome to the New Third World Country, the U.S.A.
VINCE PATTERSON
Fairmount not right for housing units
I live in North Chattanooga by Fairmount Avenue, where the Chattanooga Housing Authority proposes to build its housing development.
It’s hard for me to believe anyone with any intelligence could view this property and decide it would be fit for this development.
It sits at a dead end with no way to enter or exit by vehicle or by foot other than down Fairmount Avenue, which is very narrow.
I travel this road numerous times a day, and it is not fit for two-way travel. If another car is approaching, I have to pull to the side and wait until they pass. This does not bother me much now because the traffic is minimal, but with this proposed project it will increase traffic tremendously, making it very dangerous and nothing but a hazard.
I applaud Mayor Ron Littlefield and all those who have listened to the residents of North Chattanooga (since the CHA does not care about our opinion) in our opposition of this project.
REBECCA MARTIN