With the Republican National Convention now
behind us and the Democratic National Convention around the corner, it’s time
to consider the platforms of each party as they relate to public education. Of course, as of this writing, the Democratic
Party has not published their platform but we can somewhat predict the elements
relating to education. It seems to me
that we have become a country of extremes and that has had a polarizing effect
on those who considerate themselves to be moderates. I recall reading a book about how this
extremism of political party ideologies has caused so many to pull back, to say
that they cannot impact decisions relating to public education.
But we have examples that abound demonstrating
that grassroots movements can have an impact and that those who are willing to
engage can have a dramatic impact on outcomes.
There is probably no better example of that in Texas than the “revolt”
over the number of end of course exams required for graduation. A group of individuals got together under the
umbrella of Texans Advocating for Meaningful Student Assessment (TAMSA) and
their actions resulted in a reduction in the number of EOC exams from 15 to
5. Yet another example is the grassroots
efforts of a number of superintendents who worked closely with the Legislature
to pass HB 5 in the 83rd Legislative Session, giving expanded
opportunities to students across the state.
Yes, engagement does work and it begins with a grassroots effort.
With that as a backdrop, I encourage a review
of the Republican Party platform, specifically reference to public
education. A summary of the Republic Party platform relating to public education can
be found by clicking here.
“Highlights” of the platform include:
·
We will continue our fight for school choice until all parents can
find good, safe schools for their children.
·
We reject a one- size-fits-all approach to education and support a
broad range of choices for parents and children at the state and local level.
·
We likewise repeat our long- standing opposition to the imposition
of national standards and assessments, encourage the parents and educators who
are implementing alternatives to Common Core, and congratulate the states which
have successfully repealed it. Their education reform movement calls for
choice-based, parent-driven accountability at every stage of schooling.
·
Maintaining American preeminence requires a world-class system of
education in which all students can reach their potential.
·
Administrators need flexibility to innovate and to hold
accountable all those responsible for student performance.
·
We know the policies and methods that have actually made a
difference in student advancement.
Choice in education; building on the basics; STEM subjects and phonics;
career and technical education; ending social promotions; merit pay for good
teachers; classroom discipline; parental involvement; and strong leadership by
principals, superintendents and locally elected school boards.
·
We support options for learning, including home-schooling, career
and technical education, private or parochial schools, magnet schools, charter
schools, online learning, and early-college high schools. We especially support the innovative funding
mechanisms that make options available to all children: education savings
accounts (ESAs), vouchers and tuition tax credits.
It’s now up to each of us to assess how this platform impacts
public education in Texas. There are
certainly elements with which I can agree but there are also elements with
which I do not agree. To be effective as
public education advocates, we have to first know the facts and then provide
valid arguments in support of, or to counter, positions of others. It won’t be easy but others have proven that
i starts with the individual engagement that drives a grassroots movement that
then impacts decisions made by our elected officials. It’s now even more important that we come
together to Make Education a Priority.
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