Politics

The politics of teaching are something that have long escaped me. I hate how we let "issues" get in the way of what's really important: the children!
Last night I attended a school board meeting to show my support for our DESPERATE need for new/more technology in our school district. There are many things I am proud of about Holmen-and the one thing that I am embarassed of is the state of our technology.
However, while waiting for Jan to speak, there was a visit from Rep. Mike Huebsch, who spoke about the "Race to the Top." I honestly didn't know too much about it-I knew of it, and I had heard some rumblings of some issues coming out of LaCrosse, but wasn't too "in the know."
The thing that caught me was that he said there's basically no way we can get any of these race to the top dollars unless we try to make reforms across the state. But then he said that really, it's only Milwaukee Public SChools that need these reforms.
So, one of the school board members asked "Look-if realistically, MPS needs the reform, then why try to impose it on us?"
What a good question, right?
I mean, we are fine.
We have good graduation rates.
"Good" parental involvement.
No gangs,etc.
Someone else said, "Why couldn't premier school districts mentor school districts in MIlwaukee?"
Now, I'm not sure I could have a foot to stand on trying to mentor a teacher who teaches in MPS. I understand that life there is SO different from life here. For the most part (although we do have some very sad things) kids here live in a house with at least one of their parents. Just that stands us apart.
But it all comes back to politics.
There always seems to be a hidden agenda.
And what bugged me was that Mr. Huebsch said, honestly-we are in the top 10 states in the US for our public schools, so there's really not a good chance we could get these race to the top dollars.
If we're doing ok-shouldn't we leave the money for the school districts that are going to self-destruct?
The conversation went on from there with unfunded mandates and the like and my head was sort of swimming. But it made me think even about just our middle school.
Politics.
Decision making.
Hidden Agendas.
Conspiracy theorists :)
I mean, really-I've had so many conversations with people that are that whatever is being done for a "reason." They're positive they know why. Sometimes I just shrug it off. I have to say that sometimes I agree.
The applieds schedule change for next year befuddles me.
I have HUGE concerns about it. But, honestly-I don't really feel like my opinions are being valued. I don't feel like the decisions are data driven. And I don't see it being in the best interest of the students.
So, do politics play a part? I think a lot of people think they do. I"m not sure-but I know that the field of education looks less and less appealing to me when these politics are involved.