I was so anxious to see the test scores that I contacted the department of education as soon as they said the scores were due to be released. To my dismay the scores were only being released to testing coordinators.
My next step was to contact the Superintendent. I calmly asked if the test scores were in the district she informed me that they were in but she would call a meeting of the principals and review the scores. I responded that I had a vested interest in the scores and would like to know how we did? She gave me some information.
Some of the teachers were calling to ask me if the scores were in they were also anxious.
Long story short the test results came and and they were not good. Our school made incremental steps forward but we did not make AYP. I was crestfallen. Could I try to work hard another year to improve the scores?

I have been working very hard at my practice. This is the year our school must see a drastic change in our academic progress or we are going to face serious consequences. We are going to face state and federal consequences under NCLB.
Some of my teachers are acting as though it is business as usual. They have not changed their teaching practice. These teachers are bringing the entire district to ruin.
Anybody out there looking for a change?

I am convinced that most urban educators are not interested in changing urban education. If urban education improves some educators fear that their children in suburban and private schools will receive fewer perks.

When I go into a classroom and look around when the teacher and students are not there I can tell what type of instruction is taking place. I look at the bulletin boards, chalkboards, the charts, student work, how the desks are placed. The placement of the teacher's desk and the student desk are very telling.

I recently read a report that the stated the number of teachers required in some parts of the country will decline and other parts of the country will increase. It seems as though there will be a massive shift of labor. The labor market for educators will continue to shift in the new few years. If young teachers are going to remain in education they may have to consider relocating.
An additional thought is the number of teachers and administrators that will be retiring in the up coming years. My question is will the retirees balance the scales or are we going to have vast disparities? Will we have enough teachers to educate the next generations of students? Will the alternate routes to certification assist in the process of moving more teachers into education?
I recently read Education Week about the reorganization of the New Orleans school system. I would recommend that all educators read this issue of Ed Week.