Lack of teaching experience explains theory

Marc Tucker, president of the National Center on Education and the Economy, and one of the featured speakers at a recent state-sponsored education forum at Drake University, made a shocking statement: “Of all the things you can do,” he said, “one that is the most expensive, but least effective, is lower class size.”

His proclamation, which flies in the face of what I observed throughout my long teaching career, prompted me to check out his vita. I wasn't surprised by what I found. He has a long list of accomplishments and positions and is recognized internationally as an “expert on educational reform.” There was only one missing piece in his professional puzzle. He has never taught in the classroom.

Perhaps Tucker's lack of teaching experience explains his ridiculous theory on the correlation between class size and achievement, but it doesn't excuse it.

Jacquie McTaggart

Independence