Opinion Editorials from the Author Ed Temple

#WhatisbestfortheKIDS

August 8, 2019

I have had a lot of fun teaching so many unique and unforgettable students.  In my vast experiences teaching in three states with the poorest students to the most affluent, I can not say that the kids caused me to lose much sleep, but they did and still do bring me much joy and hope. However, the adults in charge of the schools and districts, as well as the politicians and unions, these people are in large part to blame.

Schools can't control what happens at home, so the excuses about home life, though valid, focusing on this is not going to solve any math problems.  On the other hand, schools being forced by politicians to meet demands (that are often unreasonable) is a fight worth fighting.  We can join together lobby or protest the unintended consequences of these mandates.

Unions should represent teachers, and teachers should do what is in the best interest of the kids they teach.  Therefore unions, should NOT be against ALL students having the BEST opportunities to learn, including attending a school that works for them. 

Parents directly or indirectly pay property taxes, and all of the taxes associated with their child's education.  Parents (or guardians)  generally know better than anyone what is in the best interest of their children.  Dr Steve Perry said (paraphrased today on Twitter) " Voucher schools and charter schools with low test scores are closed while traditional schools are just given more money.."

What do you think?