Two Interesting Education Op-Eds in the PI

This op-ed is by Rep. Glenn Anderson about supporting (and funding?) a good public education system. I like his points:

Dedicating a "Fund Education First" budget that is agreed to and funded before any other state spending is authorized.

Reviewing our state's achievement-testing approach, and a recommitment to achievement testing that is rigorous, globally competitive and trusted by parents and teachers.

Eliminating the current seniority-based teacher compensation model and requiring a skills and knowledge compensation model to recruit and retain the best young people to be our highly qualified teachers.

Improving guidance-counseling services to ensure kids, parents and teachers know what our education expectations are and what their options and resources are to achieve them.

Requiring that career and technical education and college bound education pathways are equally encouraged and supported in our schools.

Reforming English language learning programs to ensure that no child is left behind.

Ensuring school transportation spending reform is a priority."

Someone did point out in the comments section that he used the term "best young people" to be teachers and that it is illegal under age discrimination laws.

But where's the money for this? The governor says no education talk this session. The Times opined a week or so ago the same thing.

"Spending for K-12 education ought to stay steady, with an eye toward making good on current priorities and promises. This is not the time for new ideas or spending to come bounding in from left field, or right.

Improving mathematics instruction and ensuring struggling students have access to academic help, from tutoring to summer and evening school, are priorities from last session that ought to flow into this one.

Education-related efforts that don't require new spending include improving data collection among school districts and mandatory recess for elementary students. Fresh air and exercise are free; literacy efforts have proven their value."

I hate to break it to them but improving data collection and mandatory recess DO cost money and time. There is no easy out.

Another op-ed on a different vein by parent, Greg Fritzberg. From his piece:

"The relationship between democracy and schooling is part of our national history. "I know no safe depositary of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves," Thomas Jefferson argued. "And if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control ... the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform [them] by education."

He goes on:

"How do parents' school choices specifically relate to democratic principles? A particular private school might seem to fit our child best, but there is a cost to educated and caring families divesting themselves from our city's school system. By choosing private over public schools, or public schools in more affluent areas simply because we assume the education is better there, we may limit our children's exposure to differences of appearance, culture and opinion.

Every child and every school is unique. I can't moralize here because I don't know what I'll do myself if our first choice isn't granted, but addressing civic alongside more individualistic concerns feels important. King envisioned an authentic democracy that celebrated diversity because it strengthened character. Most of us aren't King's moral equals, but we can let his life and message shape our school deliberations in the coming weeks."