According to the Associated Press, Chris Christie, Governor of New Jersey, today called for public school teachers to be evaluated based equally on their classroom performance and student achievement.
He's been preaching anti-unionism for a while now and referred to the New Jersey Education Association as a bunch of "bullies and thugs" who pressured the Democrat-controlled Legislature to resist reform, and said of them, "I don't know how they sleep at night."
Naturally, a teachers union spokesman called the governor's evaluation plan an "educational disaster."
So, this is another situation where a group of people immediately rebels at the suggestion that their individual accomplishment be measured. And much like the revolt in Wisconsin, they want to use their combined strength to overcome any threat to their livelihood and tenure, whether they're worthy of either or not.
But, their attitude isn't really all that odd, because I think most folks would like to have their jobs protected regardless of whether they were competent or not. And I'm sure they'd like to have the security of knowing they can't be fired just about regardless of results. However, for most folks who work for a living that's not how the game is played. Because in almost any other endeavor, you've got to produce or you're out.
Then again, if push comes to shove, and failures at teaching are actually ousted, it's not really over for them. Because they can always run for office, or get some other kind of job in government, where incompetency seems to be a trait that's not only welcome, I think it's actually required.
That's it for today folks.
Adios
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