Education bill concerns

Education bill concerns

I have spoken to educators who have devoted their lives to providing young people with a good education.

Like me, they are deeply concerned about state Senate Bills 1 and 35, which create an autocracy designed to discourage free inquiry and academic freedom. We have questions.

Do legislators have the knowledge and experience to set educational standards and graduation requirements?

How many schools did the senators visit? How many teachers and respected educators were asked to give their views?

What research, statistics or other criteria compelled these senators to oppose Common Core?

Unquestionably, arts and humanities and social studies enrich the lives of students; why are legislators dismissing these courses as replaceable and unnecessary?

Are Republicans intent on infiltrating our schools with right-wing conservatism? Can we expect another attempt to add religious courses favoring Christianity?

Will biology textbooks include evolution? Will science classes discuss climate change?

SB 35 removes school council policy-making authority in every school and gives the superintendent the sole responsibility to select principal and teachers, and to make all policies for the school.

There may be “consultations,” but ultimately, one hand-picked administrator decides who can teach and what can be taught.

We deserve answers.

This story was originally published February 14, 2016 at 7:45 AM with the headline "Education bill concerns."