Ravitch and Kopp

I do not think TFA is an effective model. I don't form this opinion solely from this week's readings, but from experience with people in the program who have been subjected to poor support structures and even removed from their schools within the first few months. The reading only reinforces my feelings on the subject. However, I also think its important to not be so quick to criticize the program as Ravitch does in her article. Like Kopp says, there are many TFA alums still in education who are effective members of the field. From my own experience, I know of a Colorado state senator, Michael Johnston who is a TFA alum. He went on to become a beloved superintendent before advancing into politics. He is a well respected individual in Colorado and is an example that TFA can be effective. 

There are ups and downs to TFA, maybe more downs than ups, but it isn't going anywhere soon and some of its approaches may even be worthwhile. It bothered me, therefore, that Ravitch attacked the program so vehemently and, in my opinion, a bit nastily. To me, this is a setback to education. Instead of working collaboratively, individuals like Kopp and Ravitch feel they have to be on opposing sides. In reality, all either of them want is to create a good school system. What if Ravitch approached Kopp, presented her issues with TFA and worked with Kopp to improve the program? Wouldn't that be more helpful than attacking Kopp, which has only lead Kopp to become defensive? Maybe this is in the same vein of hopeless optimism as Kopp describes, but I can only see benefits in both sides working together to improve the education system.