5 changes in society and government rules that made teaching tougher

Teaching is a mission chosen by few. Teachers adjust to different situations imposed upon them and continue on their life quest to make the world a better place through education.

The classroom setting is a reflection of the community. Society has changed over time, and so has the classroom. The youth are obsessed with political correctness driven by social media.

Here are a few of the changes in the past 50 years that have made it more difficult to be a teacher:

1. Educational experts periodically require changes in the learning dynamics. For example: new math, outcome-based education with student-directed learning, block and flex scheduling, subject coverage dictated by a strict timeline (which leaves no time for reteaching), repeated retesting of subject matter not mastered, grading methods dictated by the administration, the abolition of homework.

2. Some parents do not hold their children responsible for failing grades. Teachers are blamed for the child’s failure.

3. Teaching morals and good character has been de-emphasized.

4. The state’s end-of-course exams are tyrannical. When teachers receive the tests, they are required to sign a nondisclosure contract with the threat of termination. If students ask about a question on the state test, the teacher can read the question to the student, but no discussion is allowed. Teachers are not allowed to challenge any question on the state test, nor are they allowed to discuss any question with other teachers. Teachers are required to report any teacher in violation of this rule to the administration.

5. Organized prayer is no longer allowed in school.

This story was originally published May 4, 2018 at 9:57 AM with the headline "5 changes in society and government rules that made teaching tougher."