Bill Gates Is Ready To Reprogram Teachers
Bill Gates 2.0 was at this year's TED Conference. Bill version 2 doesn't talk about software and technology. He talks about making the world better. No doubt, his foundation is doing good work in the world. Can you hear a "but" hiding in there though?
His talk focused on two efforts of his philanthropy. First, he talked about eradicating malaria in developing countries. Honorable work. Keep it up. He even got some intentional laughs along the way. (He released some mosquitoes in the hall. "It's not just for poor people.")
The second half of his talk was on improving education in America. If you work in education, you should watch it. It scared me.
I have been a fan of business creeping into education. I think Bill Gates views education as a business. He's very excited about increased testing. Quality control. Camera in classrooms always recording. To monitor teachers? Oh no. It's so that teachers can look back and see what worked and what didn't work. Uh huh... I can hear him saying that you can program teachers to be better.
Bill is also big on the book Work Hard. Be Nice.: How Two Inspired Teachers Created the Most Promising Schools in America.It's a book that focuses on educating low-income children written by Washington Post education reporter Jay Mathews. He also wrote Escalante: The Best Teacher in America and Class Struggle:What's Wrong (and Right) with America's Best Public High Schools
In Work Hard, he looks at the Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) and follows its founders, Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin. They started in the Teach for America program and now head up this controversial education program that uses mentors, student incentives and a focus on involved teachers in charter schools. (There are 5 KIPP schools in New Jersey.)
The Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) is
a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools with a track record of preparing students in underserved communities for success in college and in life. There are currently 66 KIPP schools in 19 states and the District of Columbia serving over 16,000 students. What we do. KIPP builds a partnership among parents, students, and teachers that puts learning first. By providing outstanding educators, more time in school learning, and a strong culture of achievement, KIPP is helping all students climb the mountain to college.
What is your take on the Gates approach to improving teachers and education?
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