We have allowed ed reformers to say weird untrue things about teachers and students.
And at many forums when we explain that their policies are wrong, we are told that everyone knows public schools are failing. Not true.
We are told that teachers have not been putting students first, so the reformers needs to step in and take over. Not true.
We have allowed this commentary to go on for too long. It's propaganda but it's gone on so long and so effectively that teachers are made to sound petty when they disagree. Public schools have not been failing, though there are some which need more resources to cope with the problems they face.
Most teachers are not "bad" or "lazy", most teachers are there because they care for the students and their needs.
Then there is the all pervasive meme that all students can succeed at the same level. Teachers have always been able to give students a chance at an even playing field, a chance to reach their highest potential. They can do that for students if they have resources to do so. It can't happen if policies continue to give tests which will be failed by many just because they are not able to take a test at that level....then after giving those tests they take away resources and give them to charter schools or private schools for vouchers.
The very latest unbelievably scary thing that Arne has said is that he thinks all students can succeed if they are given honor level classes and tests to prove they can do it. Hey snap your fingers, wave your wand...and suddenly no more below level students. That's a very faulty premise.
For some reason people find that stance of Arne's compelling....just push special needs students until they get it. It's like part of the remaining foolishness pushed by the zero tolerance believers.
Not every child will behave alike, not every child will or is able to do work at higher levels. This country was built on the virtue of individuality. People succeeding at different things, on different levels, having different abilities.
Imagine the harm being done to a child who has to struggle to perform life's everyday activities. Imagine the sense of failure that will be instilled.
The new policy of the US Department of Education is that no longer special needs children will be given modifications at test-taking time.
I asked how we let the reformers so this far, but I really do know the answer. If George Bush, whose policy this basically is, had tried to carry it this far....Democrats would have at once become the opposing party.
But now it is a movement supported by both major parties, and teachers have become the enemy.
= new reply since forum marked as read
and made a point of doing just the opposite. 
--imm
That is a very true statement, Hissyspit. 
"If George Bush, whose policy this basically is, had tried to carry it this far....Democrats would have at once become the opposing party."
That's the beauty of our current President. He can push Bush's policies without resistance from our own party.
And that propaganda has worked so well many DUers believe it. Yes, you are right. This administration has no opposition to these corporate policies.
But we are not supposed to notice.
My kids different as night and day in so many ways. I wonder why more people are not outraged at Arne's new tactics. Maybe they are just not aware.
it is unfortunate that issues are not debated/defended as strongly as the party line
Education is just like the rest. They want to privatize anything that will profit this group of miscreants. It's little different than privatizing the Iraq War and the USPS. They want the money in private hands so they can steal it. It's clear.
It's corruption from sea to shinning sea.
Well said.
