The federal government didn't shut down over the question of whether teachers in alternative-certification programs should be considered "highly qualified"—but the bill to end the budget stalemate addresses the question anyway. ... EdWeekGee, why shouldn't teachers with 5 weeks training not be considered highly qualified? Hey, I have an idea. Let TFA expand into PFA -- Politicians for America and let's fill Congressional staff positions with them.
I'm waiting for the day when top school districts like Scarsdale announce they are replacing experienced teachers with equally highly qualified TFAers.
By the way, this is not to say TFAers who remain in teaching don't become highly qualified -- there are a few in MORE and they are very impressive. And I expect even more TFA alum who are not using it as a stepping stone and see the ed deform scam for what it is will also be coming on board.
UPDATE: Diane Ravitch just posted (TFA Scores Big Win in Federal Debt Deal) about this with links to Valerie Strauss here
and Julian Vasquez Heilig's noting that TFA was a big winner.
making the point that "Pre-K is 1412% more effective than Teach For America."
Think about this: TFA is celebrating their fortune while pre-k gets gutted. A real teacher organization interested in child welfare would be howling with rage.
The Ed Week article is below the break.