Monday, April 16, 2012

Hope this doesn't happen in your state...

For those of you that don't live down here in the bayou boot, you may not be aware of how our beloved (note the sarcasm) governor. He basically wants to cut out teacher pensions and tenure, start a voucher program so that kids can all go to private schools (I've already had 4 parents who has said they are going send their kids to private schools next year), and finally, all teachers, at least those that teach core subjects will be evaluated and retained based on the scores their students get on tests.

Needless to say, the sheer thought of all this caused quite the outrage. There were even protests, but it did no good, because somehow all this was signed into law. My theory is that the dumpkopf governor bought the votes to pass it, or has something on all the people that voted yes.

Here is a very well written opinion of what is going on that you all may enjoy, or find yourself infuriated by.

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20120415/OPINION03/204140326/State-education-reform-comes-cost

So, what do you think of this whole thing? I'm thinking it is time to head across the border to Texas or over to Florida. At least there they actually consult teachers before making sweeping "reforms" to education.

2 comments:

Lin said...

I see both sides of the issue.

There aren't many jobs out there that make it so difficult to fire you--if not impossible. Your union is very strong--too strong. And while you are gonna be mad at me for saying this--the teachers union is more concerned with the rights and pensions of the teachers and not what is best for the kids. I have first hand experience in this and there isn't enough space here to explain.

I think there should be a compromise. I don't think the issue is all that black and white, but there needs to be changes.

As for vouchers--not everyone is going to private schools for the answers aren't there either. There are pros and cons at both places and you have to do what is best for your family. Private schools are lacking a lot of the services that public schools HAVE to offer.

Hang in there. You have to wait and see what these changes really mean to you. I hope you make out okay.

Mystery Man said...

yeah, there are two sides to it, but the outrage is more that this was forced through so rapidly withotu consulting anyone who actually is in the teaching field. Contrary to what they believe, politicians don't know eveyrthing, y'know? lol