FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
What if, on your child's next report card, the teacher graded you, too? A Florida state lawmaker is proposing exactly that.
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State Rep. Kelli Stargel thinks public school teachers should grade the parents of students from kindergarten through third grade. These grades of "satisfactory," "unsatisfactory" or "needs improvement" would show up on the student's report card.
The Republican lawmaker from Lakeland says parental involvement is key to educating children. And she's absolutely right.
According to the proposed legislation, the grading system would be based on three things:
1. The student should show up to school on time and ready to learn, well-rested and fed
2. The student should have done his or her homework and be prepared for any tests
3. There should be regular communication between the parent and teacher
All of which seems perfectly reasonable. Some experts call it a "unique" idea, while others say teachers are in no place to judge parenting.
Florida has been trying to overhaul its public school system for years to make teachers and schools more accountable. But many parents, teachers and lawmakers aren't on board. Last year, then-Gov. Charlie Crist vetoed a bill that would tie teacher pay to the student achievement.
The sad fact is the U.S. needs major changes like that if we want to be competitive in the global economy. And we need these changes yesterday.
A recent international test showed 15-year-olds in the U.S. rank 25th out of 34 countries when it comes to math. They also rank 14th in reading and 17th in science. This is a disgrace.
Guess where China placed? The Shanghai region finished first in all three categories.
Here’s my question to you: Should teachers grade parents when it comes to their child's education?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Charlene writes:
That is a ridiculous idea if I ever heard one. What would the teachers know about the parents, home life, pressures and hardships? It is none of the teachers' business. As a former teacher, I can't think of a worse idea.
Barb in Texas writes:
As a parent who made sure that all three items were accomplished for all three of my kids - and now have one who has become a teacher - I say YES, grade them. My daughter calls parents all the time. She lets them know how their children are performing. Very few ever respond or come in to talk to her.
A.J. writes:
Not only should teachers grade parents, they should be reported in the local newspaper.
Jessica in Texas writes:
I hope they don't bring that to Texas because it's not fair to parents and I would probably get a poor grade. My husband is in Iraq. I have five children ages 15, 9, 7, 5, and 8 months. I try my hardest to help my children with their homework but I can't always help them because I am also trying to cook dinner and tend to a baby when they come home.
Bob writes:
Some wealthy politician whose own children go to private school and have their own tutor must have come up with this. They don't have to deal with old clothes and an empty stomach, let alone the threat of their guardian failing and their buddies finding out.
Tim in Iowa writes:
Teachers grade parents? I think we should grade teachers. Having gone through the public education system, I have had good teachers and some bad. It isn't always the parents' fault. Yes, I think we could do more at home but this crazy.
Robert writes:
My wife was a teacher for 40 years. The students that did the best were those whose parents were interested and on top of what was happening in school. Why not try it? Nothing else has worked.