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opinion
Quality not quantity
A great debate has
arisen regarding the quality of teaching in the California State
University system. Teachers need more stability and the state
is looking at major reductions, while students just want a worthwhile
education.
In the constant
battle between officials and faculty, some insight is lost
regarding the purpose of higher education.
We as a whole should
never forget every university is here to serve the needs of
its students, both former and present.
There are many
teachers who are unwilling to give this university all it
takes to produce a superbly educated student. Many teachers
are content with the mediocre performance put in by some students.
Teachers should
accept some blame regarding quality of students.
A lack of student
involvement in the university is an outstanding factor in
the equation.
But the administration
of the university and the state officials involved in educational
decision making must accept their role as point man on an
increasingly divisive issue.
The result of this
mess prompted a Teach-In by faculty and staff.
The California
Faculty Association claims much of this problem is directly
related to a lack of tenure track offerings by the administration.
According to the CFA, one net tenure track has been added
in the last five years.
This is a number
that has caused major concerns for faculty.
Giving a tenure
position to teachers greatly goes to ensuring that individual's
future. Stability in one's life will greatly improve the quality
of that particular person.
With tenure must come more intense scrutiny of all staff,
a faculty that in some way must answer to the needs of its
students.
Allowing all or
most professors' tenure is a mistake. To offer no permanent
positions at all is an even worse position.
There are instructors
within this institution who have earned the right of stability.
There are also those who deserve to be released from their
duties.
With more respect
will come more accountability. I am sure most professors in
the CSU system acknowledge this fact.
Changes should
be made.
Those changes should
take place at all levels, from the Capitol to the classroom.
While doing so
the faculty and administration should keep this in mind: An
increase in enrollment does not make the university a better
place. Many times it worsens the situation.
Dwight Flenniken
III is a journalism major at Cal State Long Beach.
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