by Steve Buel
Something
is beginning to bother me a great deal.
I find it in administrators and
sometimes teachers who I talk to in PPS. I find it in OEIB members and
other government officials I have talked to over the past few
months. It is that people tell me they personally support something and
then go on to not support those things in their work, either in
government or in the schools.
“I am against over testing” but
support our district’s and state’s testing programs.
“I think we need
more engagement by our students especially in the middle grades,” but
support our lack of engagement in our testing focused curriculum.
“I am
for equity,” but support curriculum for poor children which doesn’t have
a well-rounded component to it.
“I believe a half hour is not enough
time for direct services for a kid from Africa to get oriented to
American education and the English language,” but I can’t support a new
comers’ center.
“I think it is important that we hear from and dialogue
with the public,” but don’t support asking questions of citizens at
school board meetings.
“I think we should have the best teacher working
conditions in the state in PPS,” but support full management rights.
“I
think play is an important component of kindergarten,” but support its
absence in the Common Core Standards.
And on and on and on.
Now, I can understand a teacher afraid to voice their opinion in their
school for fear of being marginalized or just getting in trouble. I have
been there, for many of the 40 years I taught. But when you are an
elected official or a district-wide administrator or an appointed OEIB
member you need to put those fears aside if you can and truly work for
what is best for the children in our district and the state. At least
once in a while speak your true mind.
Go ahead and say what you think. You might be surprised that a lot of other people are right there with
you.