The NEA has concluded its national meeting, which in my view is an embarassment. Education is failing badly, and they do nothing about it except demand more money and better benefits for themselves, while they block reform from other interested parties. This annual meeting was a doozy, where they had time to pass resolutions protesting the Iraq War, boycott Gallo wine, fight against other Americans getting the same private account social security benefits they get, and a whole host of left wing agenda items that have nothing to do with education, which at least a large minority of their membership disagrees with, and I find totally offensive while they are not doing their job well at all. Check out this doozy of a list.
I was arguing with a CTA member about some of this the other day, saying I don't begrude teachers good pay, if they were doing their job teaching kids like they ought to be, which they aren't. The schools are approaching third world level in California, the only kids learning are the smartest ones with a lot of parental involvement, and those kids could learn anyway in any system. So, the sum total of the education system is that it is doing almost nothing. The response I got is that the Teacher's union is not responsible for the quality of education. I found that incredible. I think we ought to make the union illegal again then, and get on with the job of doing the reforms needed to fix the system which, even though they say they are not responsible, they are blocking in a vicious and dishonest way. It appears they are responsible to make sure nothing works, and that is about it.
Their President, Reg Weaver, did give one speech "detailing" what they were going to do for education, articulated as six points. Here are abbreviated but true in context versions of his six points, with my comments in parentheses:
#1 – Parental involvement: (In other words, it's not our fault the kids aren't learning.)
#2 – "No Child Left Behind": “If the nation calls on us to support the rhetoric of the so-called No Child Left Behind Law, then we call on the nation to elect politicians and policy makers who will vote to provide the resources (we want more money)
#3 – High-quality school employees. "If the nation calls on us to provide high-quality education support professionals, those who will ensure that the standards for student services are high, then we call on the nation to stop privatizing [their] jobs." Research shows that privatization leads to poor quality at a higher price, and it’s bad for schools and bad for children, Weaver said.
(that's a direct lie, privitization saves money and improves quality--that is why it is done, otherwise, it isn't. This is to show solidarity with other unions that are losing work because they are imcompetent or mediocre---more money for all of us union folk).
#4 – High-quality classroom instruction. "If the nation calls on us to provide students with lessons that enrich their minds, with experiences that enable them to grow into well-rounded, lifelong learners, then we call on the nation to provide…small class sizes, up-to-date textbooks, updated labs and modern technology." (we need even more money)
#5 – Educators who give their best to every child. "If the nation calls on teachers and education support professionals to care for children with the most severe physical challenges…then we call on the nation to recognize these dedicated men and women as the backbone of our public education system." To recruit and retain high-quality teachers and other educators, they must be paid fairly and according to the requirements, skill and worth of their jobs, Weaver explained.
(Even more money, more more more, more money for us is how we will improve education. Bear in mind that California has increased education spending 30% in the last decade, and schools have gotten worse.)
#6 – A high-quality teacher in every classroom. "If the nation calls on us to have a qualified teacher in every classroom, then we call on the nation to stand beside us and insist that we have work environments that are conducive to good teaching and learning." With almost half of teachers leaving the profession after five years, we also need ongoing professional development, healthcare and retirement benefits that are secure, Weaver said.
(Did we mention we needed more money? And make that better benefits too, and bigger pensions than we already have, even though we have some of the best pensions in the nation, including corporate employees, already. And throw in some fresh cut flowers on our desks every morning, because after all, flowers help a good attitude.)
What a load. Does anyone actually believe this stuff?
Hat tip: Education Intellligence Agency and Michelle Malkin
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