Teachers' comments in San Diego City Schools

"It was heartening to see that you recognize the fact that the success of failure of school reform hinges on "dedicated teachers who are determined to inspire their students to make the most of their potential." I am a dedicated, experienced teacher working in a school in a low income area. We always had a strong mix of veteran, mid-range and new teachers. What kept my colleagues and me there for so long? We loved the students and the community; we had an environment that encouraged sharing successful instructional strategies; and most important, we had a very high quality administration that worked to ensure a safe learning environment for students and teachers. Unfortunately, this all changed when Bersin and Alvarado came to town. Their actions have caused many to leave the profession or to transfer to other districts."

"No longer can a veteran teacher use ideas or programs that have proven to be successful, unless they fit the Blueprint. In math, every teacher is handed a manual that tells them what to teach and when, and what to say. It's not experience that counts anymore, it's one's ability to teach to the Blueprint that matters."

"Now, there is no scope for creativity and innovation. The result is that, this last year, we had to hire 20 new certified personnel. We lost seven of our nine math teachers."

"If, as you imply, experienced teachers could solve the persistent underachievement of minorities why was it that you editorially supported Bersin's spending more than $60 million on staff training for a program that most experienced teachers abhorred?"