To the Point
The "Teacher Wars" in America's Public Schools
America’s “failing education system” has become a cliché of contemporary journalism—and it’s most often blamed on the teachers. As another school year gets under way across the country, we’ll hear how today’s controversies reflect the history of a crucial profession.
By Warren Olney • • 52m ListenAmerica’s “failing education system” has become a cliché of contemporary journalism—and it’s most often blamed on the teachers. Union rules are said to protect the worst, while low salaries, crowded classrooms and unequal resources make it hard to retain the best. Disputes about standardized testing and the Common Core Curriculum have teachers caught in the middle. As another school year gets under way across the country, we’ll hear how today’s controversies reflect the history of a crucial profession.
Also, ISIS reportedly beheads a second journalist, and a “perfect political marriage” goes on the rocks in a criminal courtroom as jury deliberations begin.
Banner Image: "Teacher" by the U.S. Census Bureau - the U.S. Census Bureau Facts for Feature Photos. Licensed under Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.
In this episode
3 storiesISIS Beheads Second Journalist According to Video
The ultra-extremist Islamic State has released a video that appears to show the beheading of Steven Joel Sotloff, a 31-year-old American journalist. His life was threatened two weeks ago in the execution video of reporter James Foley.
Read the story6 minThe Most Noble Profession of Teaching is Now the Most Embattled
No institution is more important to the US economy—or America’s role in the world—than public education. But no profession is more of a battlefield than public school teaching. As another school year begins, are reforms desperately needed?
Read the story35 minRecapping Virginia’s McDonnell Corruption Trial
Jury deliberations got under way today in the case of The United States of America vs. Robert F. McDonnell and Maureen G. McDonnell—the first couple of the Commonwealth of Virginia until January of this year—now in the dock charged with trading the power of the Governor’s office for $177,000 in luxury gifts and loans.
Read the story8 min
