I am in Ohio, where we have a test (OGT-Ohio Graduation Test) designed to see if our high-school seniors are proficient enough to obtain a diploma for their trek into higher education, or whatever they endeavor to achieve.  My frustration comes as I read the front cover of the Blade.  “147 TPS Seniors Fail Ohio Test”.  What frustrates the most is that Ohio requires, therefore TPS requires, a test for our students, but no test to see if our teachers are proficient enough to teach.  I don’t deny the fact that we may need evaluation for our TPS students before graduation, but I propose before every year, each TPS teacher be required to pass the same test in order to teach that year.  Or at least every 4 years. 

From the article it seems many of the students our failing the science portion or one other portion of the test, prohibiting them from getting a diploma and here in Toledo, preventing them from walking in graduation ceremonies.  What would happen if we did the same thing for our teachers?  Would English teachers be able to pass the same science test that we require our students to pass?  And if not wouldn’t it be fair that they be prohibited from teaching until done so, therefore putting there job on the line until they can?  I mean if we will hold our students to the scrutiny of this required test.  I say we step up to the bar and require our teachers to do the same.

What do you think?