Thank You Once Again NYS Government for Proving Who You Really Work For!

Governor Patterson once again has led us down the path of ignorance and chaos.   "Race to the Top" was a much needed incentive that New York State schools needed.  Have you gone to your local school board meeting lately?  I have.  And yes, they're all talking about the Governor's cuts and how it will affect our children -- yours and mine! And yet, when money is offered with accountability strings attached -- the special interests win.  Not sure you agree with me?  Then read the articles below and tell me what you think. 

(As reported yesterday in The Daily Politics) -- School aid is being reduced $1.1 billion (a 5 percent year-to-year reduction), targeted based on "local school district wealth and student need". Health care gets slashed by $1 billion, which includes reductions to Medicaid providers. Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2010/01/patersons-2010-2011-budget-pro.html#ixzz0d9oDevs9

Okay, so what's the problem then with increasing the number of charter schools and calling for teacher accountability in the classroom?  Nothing, except a very powerful teacher's union.  That's right!  Thought the healthcare lobbyists were big.   Think again.  The NYSUT is even bigger.   The two sticking points that are keeping NY State out of the running: increasing the cap on the number of charter schools in the State, and allowing for student's test scores to be considered in the tenure process for a teacher. 

Seems pretty simple to me what needs to be done.  $700 million isn't going to solve all our education woes, but it sure can help.   Beyond the money, accountability is only going to make for better teachers and better success for our children. See what you think!  Here's their argument:

Teacher accountability!

(From NYS School Boards Association, June 2009, by Marc Humbert)  "On the issue of linking student performance to individual teachers, both Mills (former NY State Ed. Commissioner Richard P. Mills) and newly elected Regents Chancellor Merryl Tisch have said they favor some sort of linkage, although not necessarily for use in decisions about tenure and merit pay bonuses."   I say, why not?  (read the article)

Richard Iannuzzi, head of the State teacher's union, NYSUT "showed his interest in having no accountability when it comes to scrutinizing his member teachers using test data since NYSUT's position is to ban the use of scores when making tenure decisions for teachers, which they got the legislature to do for them last year." (quote from the Chalkboard, NYCSA read it here!)

Charter Schools!

(From the Wall Street Journal, Jan 19, 2010)  "In New York, the program has sparked a stiff political fight over charter schools that could jeopardize the state's chances. Charter schools are publicly funded but privately run, often by nonunion staff. New York lawmakers on Tuesday failed to agree on legislation that would allow an expansion of charter schools beyond the current statewide limit of 200. Despite the complications, New York submitted its application for the first round of funding."

(From NY Post, January 20, 2010) "State lawmakers flunked by blowing yesterday's deadline to lift the cap on charter schools -- imperiling cash-starved New York's bid to win up to $700 million in federal education funds. In doing so, Albany's Democratic leaders sold out students and sided with the powerful, anti-charter teachers unions, critics charged." Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/no_class_ny_nQpJxf7EqNZY4GNVUhiM3L#ixzz0d9wr3oED

You weigh in.  Please tell me what you think.