The Education Jobs Bill
As lawmakers ponder efforts to save educators' jobs, we felt we should reiterate our support for a jobs fund to stave off major layoffs in public schools and school districts. LFA has not been involved in discussions about Chairman Obey's bill, and we have not had time to consider the impact of possible cuts in other programs to offset the bill's cost.
On May 5, we released the following statement in support of the $23 billion Keep Our Educators Working Act:
“The Learning First Alliance strongly supports the Keep Our Educators Working Act, which would create a $23 Billion Education Jobs Fund to prevent layoffs of teachers, principals and other critical school staff. The need for this relief is urgent as states face unprecedented budget shortfalls that could result in massive job losses in our schools.”
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I understand that people who
I understand that people who call themselves reformers get frustrated when change is so hard and slow. But I don't see why they didn't see this as an opportunity to take one for the team. Unions and many districts have been supporting the RttT, albeit reluctantly, even though the vast majority of educators oppose its policies. They do so because education has to be a team effort.
This would have been a perfect teachable moment. Clearly, changes are coming fast - probably far too fast for humans beings to adjust too. If we couldn't find anything else to cut, then cutting a little would have been an opportunity for Duncan to communicate the wisdom of the late Coach Wooten, "Be Quick but Don't Hurry."
This suggests the fundamental reason why this educational civil war is so bitter. Education policies evolved from a culture of powerless; we "play the cards that are dealt us." These newcoming reformers came from a culture of power. They don't seem to understand - or enjoy - the foibles of people who are less entitled. Otherwise, they would have recognized the golden opportunity to pitch in, make their sacrifice, and send a cooperative message.
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