Comments on: TN Education Report: Cameras in the Classrooms, But Only if it Improves Teaching

By: Meghank

Meghank — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 00:18:50 +0000

No. They are being used in Memphis to evaluate teachers.

By: bluffcityed

bluffcityed — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 20:58:01 +0000

My understanding of these cameras is that they’re only going to be used for research purposes.

By: Meghank

Meghank — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 21:40:32 +0000

Since teacher quality can’t be accurately and objectively measured (especially not with standardized tests), the answer, backed by the research, is clearly reducing class sizes. Plus, as you point out, there’s no proof these cameras will improve teaching quality. If they were in my room, they would make me less effective; I don’t like performing for anonymous strangers.

By: bluffcityed

bluffcityed — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 15:08:37 +0000

I’m going to have to do some research on this, but I wonder which is more effective at improving student achievement, reduced class sizes or improving teacher quality

By: Meghank

Meghank — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 14:33:48 +0000

These cameras were very expensive. The money would have been much better spent if put towards lower class sizes. It’s sad that vendors like camera manufacturers and software developers seem to have a greater claim to public money than the children do.