TAB Calls For Education Reform…Does Anyone Else Find This Funny?
By Vince Leibowitz on Apr 24, 2008 in Texas Education ![[Post to Twitter]](/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/icons/tt-twitter.png){kind=icon}
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It’s clear to all of us that the educational accountability system in Texas needs to be reformed. And, it is indeed refreshing to see the clarion call come from all over Texas.
However, I doubt I’m the only person who found myself jumping out of my chair and screaming “hypocrites!” when I saw this:
“After a quarter of a century, mediocrity still is the standard by which Texas schoolchildren are measured,” said TAB President Bill Hammond. “Unless we want our education system to remain static, it is time for Texas schools to use a new measuring stick.”
[...]
“As a result of this failed policy, Texas high school graduates remain ill prepared for either college or the workforce,” said Hammond.
Hammond also expressed concern over drop-out rates. “We challenge TEA to compile an honest assessment of the number of Texas children who stay in school. Further, we urge students to earn a high school diploma,” said Hammond. “A high school diploma, now more than ever, is critical to obtaining meaningful employment.
“The first step in creating a public education system that meets the needs of everyone involved is an honest diagnosis of where we stand,” said Hammond. “Until then, we can expect another 25 years of mediocrity.”
Has someone been eating paste? Does no one else see the steaming pile of hypocrisy here? The Texas Association of Business has worked to elect a slew of pro-voucher, anti-public education Republican legislators to the Texas Legislature who are responsible for thwarting progressive changes in public education in favor of property tax “relief” that puts zero additional money in the coffers of public schools. TAB has even touted vouchers as a good thing.
They tout vouchers, elect anti-public education Republicans that don’t support teacher pay raises or things like the TEXAS Grants to recruit and retain qualified teachers and then, Bill Hammond and TAB have the nerve to call for public education reform? Give me a break.
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The TAB also supported reform of insurance, electricity, and college tuition. Look how great that turned out!
Good points, John. Not a single one of their supported endeavors has turned out well. I cannot imagine what they envision as “education reform.”