The £11m spent on boosting maths attainment in English schools by copying the Shanghai model (Hello boys and girls,14 March) could be well spent whether the government ensures that our teachers are given the same opportunities as their Shanghai counterparts. Instead of allowing those with no formal qualifications to teach, it could insist that primary maths teachers spend five years at university studying primary maths. English super teachers” can only dream of teaching two lessons a day, or with the rest of the day devoted to professional development in their specialism. Contrast this with the box-ticking mentality peddled by politicians,which gives teachers no time to reflect on their pedagogical development.
One can compare achievement only whether the playing field is level but I fear that teachers in England will always face playing up the steep hill and then be criticised by those who fail to supply adequate resources for education.
David Moore
ManchesterContinue reading...
Source: theguardian.com