Teachers expect little of students

The Associated Press WASHINGTON -- If teachers demand discipline in the classroom, they probably didn't learn that in college. Few education professors, it turns out, consider it a high priority for teachers to expect students to be neat, on time or polite. Nor do many believe it is essential for graduates of teachers' colleges to stress correct spelling, grammar or punctuation in the classroom. Students and parents agree about things like discipline and the basics. So do a lot of teachers. But close to 80 percent of education professors think the public doesn't know what good teaching is all about. The gap between what is valued in education colleges and what people want from schools is detailed in a report released yesterday by Public Agenda, a nonpartisan group founded by pollster Daniel Yankelovich and former Secretary of State Cyrus Vance. The report was based on a telephone survey of 900 education professors during the summer and previously reported surveys of parents, students and teachers. The poll found: Twelve percent of education professors consider neatness, punctuality and manners to be essential. Yet nine teachers out of 10 favor an emphasis on such qualities. Nearly 20 percent of education professors put a high priority on spelling, grammar and punctuation. The question was not asked of teachers, parents or students.