Obama defends education policies to critics

[Catshrink]

Obama defends education policies to critics

WASHINGTON – Challenging critics who say his policies haven't substantially helped minority students, President Barack Obama said Thursday that he won't tolerate a status quo where the United States lags behind other countries in education achievements.

"We have an obligation to lift up every child in every school in this country, especially those who are starting out the furthest behind," Obama said at the centennial convention of the National Urban League.

The Urban League was one of eight civil rights organizations that released a report this week calling the president's $4.35 billion education initiative an ineffective approach for failing schools. The report says federal data shows that just 3 percent of the nation's black students and less than 1 percent of Latino students are affected by the first round of the administration's "Race to the Top" competition.

Obama's education reforms have also drawn criticism from education advocates, including prominent teachers' unions like the American Federation of Teachers.

Obama said the goal isn't to fire or admonish teachers but to create a culture of accountability. He pinned some of the criticism on a resistance to change.

"We get comfortable with the status quo even when the status quo isn't good," he said. "When you try to shake things up, sometimes people aren't happy."

With the nation still climbing out of a recession, Obama said improving schools is an integral part of ensuring students are prepared to hold the jobs of the future that will lead toward long-term economic prosperity.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_obama_education

[w4rma]

1. Obama is bringing back segrigation. The KKK should love him!

Billionaires already do!

[femmocrat]

2. I listened to the speech. What a disappointment.

He is totally committed to RTTT and has no intention of taking into account the genuine concerns of those on the front lines. And BTW, Mr. Obama--- have you not noticed that teachers are being fired?

[LWolf]

3. He has no legitimate defense. nt

[Smarmie Doofus]

4. "Culture of accountability"?

>>>>Obama said the goal isn't to fire or admonish teachers but to create a culture of accountability. He pinned some of the criticism on a resistance to change.>>>>>



Culture of *accountability*.


Culture . Of . Accountability.


Great. Lets start with the NYS Test Fraud Scandal. ( Today's NYT, page 1):


Who *exactly* is going to be *A C C O U N T A B L E* for nine years of calculated, premeditated deception?

When will the Obama DOJ issue subpoenas? Where will the grand jury be impaneled ... NY or DC? Which NY pols, Washington educrats and professional school "reformers" will be called to testify?

"Accountability"? Bullshit.

[Catshrink]

6. Accountability?

Only for teachers? How about bansters? The BFEE and their war machine? BP? Gonzo and the US Attorney firings? Why are only teachers held accountable by this administration?

[adnelson60087]

7. Because we teachers don't fight back or resist this at all.

We, collectively, are easy pickings.

[Catshrink]

9. Sadly, I think you're right.

[Starry Messenger]

5. Of course he did.

He doesn't listen to criticism. The plans are set.

[adnelson60087]

8. Obama is not winning any friends in the teaching ranks

that's for sure. I look forward to hearing how much the Unions "enthusiastically" endorse Mr. Obama's opinions and policies. Can Mr. Obama really win in 2012 without teacher/NEA/AFT support?

[Smarmie Doofus]

10. We might make it hard for him in the primaries.

>>>>>Can Mr. Obama really win in 2012 without teacher/NEA/AFT support?>>>>

Not alone, mind you, but in concert with other progressive elements within the party... and among independents.

I have in mind a coalition of antiwar activists, glbts, and other organized labor constituencies . The Sherrod fiasco says a lot about Obama and the organization he has put together to govern... and it doesn't say much for him of for IT.

There are a lot of eerie parallels between the party now and the party in the period prior to 1968. And there are some dissimilarities. ( Johnson was more progressive than Obama, for one; despite VN).

What's missing is not disaffection in the ranks... we have lots of that... but prominent elected DEMs who are willing to challenge the president openly. In '68 we had Morse, Fulbright, Gruening, Gore and most importantly, McCarthy.

Right now we have a brave handful of House members.

[adnelson60087]

11. I agree with you, but teachers' numbers are substantial across the nation and can influence

a close election. We do need more Dems willing to stand up to their party leadership, though.

[AnneD]

13. Why do you think....

he has been on the View and every media outlet lately. He is in trouble at he knows it. He has abandon the Progressives and they will probably be staying home. I don't know a teacher that will vote for him now. And forget about donations.

[MichiganVote]

12. 'Resistance to change' as in dumping more taxpayer $ in that shithole Afghanistan?

How about 'resistance to change' as in 66 servicemen DEAD in July because of that shit hole Afghanistan?

Maybe 'resistance to change' as in Gitmo, spying on Americans, SHAFTA-NAFTA?

Right. Let's not talk about the circus in the living room. Let's just talk about the schoolmarms threatening to overthrow education...