Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1480924
requirements for a bachelor 's degree, most top-tier coun- tries require all teachers to have master 's degrees in the subjects they teach. What don't such countries do? Ballard found they don't spend nearly as much time on standardized testing. They don't use as much technology in elementary classrooms. They don't assume every kid will go to college, with a wide range of vocational programs that will prepare students to work in their chosen field right out of school. They don't cut arts programs, with school funding decoupled from property taxes. That leads to more equity and less dramatic swings in budgets. And they don't demonize teachers' unions or public schools with limited options to siphon sup- port away from traditional education. Implementing these practices in the U.S. would require sweeping change, which may feel out of reach. But our book also offers practical steps everyone can take to nudge our schools in the right direction. Lots of small steps can become a stampede that will reverberate in the halls of our state house and in Washington, D.C. And that, Ballard says, can lead to real transformation. "We owe it to our kids, and our country, to try." Ballard in the PE room of a middle school in Finland. B Y B L E N D I N G hard data and firsthand accounts from inside successful school systems, Keith Ballard identified eight areas where countries with top edu- cation systems share common ground. He neatly organized his book into eight chapters that cover these areas: 1. Family Support: It's a two-way street. These countries offer support for new par- ents and families and opportunities for early childhood education. Supported parents give back in terms of their involvement in their children's education, communication with teachers and schools, etc. 2. High Standards for Teachers. The profession is prestigious; schools and edu- cation systems invest in recruiting, training and retaining highly qualified teachers, sup- porting them at every stage of their careers. 3. Restructuring the School Experi- ence. Students have a longer school year, starting the day a bit later, and receiving frequent breaks for exercise, recreation and rest. Homework is regular but limited. Campuses are clean and inviting, with classrooms streamlined to focus on learning. 4. Vocational Education Puts Student Choice First. Students are able to choose their path to professions and careers at an early age. Vocational program choices abound, with businesses and industries involved and training that often leads directly to well-paying jobs. 5. High-Stakes Testing With Different Stakes. The number of standardized tests is limited. Tests more often are used to gauge student growth and progress. 6. Technology Is Secondary. Many school systems have educators focus on "the basics" and are slower to adopt new technologies. But when they do, teachers receive training and support. 7. The Arts and Culture Are Essential. In many countries, arts education is mandatory, often taught by in-house professionals. 8. The Equity Question. Addressing the seven topics above would go a long way toward improving the fairness of Ameri- can schools. But many countries with top education systems fund all schools equally, strive to give the same education to all students, and generally do not offer educa- tional alternatives such as private schools, charter schools and homeschooling. See video from Ballard's visits to top schools in multiple countries at his YouTube channel Educator Keith Ballard. What Top Performers Have in Common " Teachers are paid starting salaries on par with new engineers in most countries that outrank us on PISA exams. Teachers also have up to two-thirds of their paid time each day set aside for collaboration and professional development." 15 O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 2