When the Corrupt Lead a Nation

                                                  

American choices have led Americans into an age where hidden transgressions are being exposed in lives of leaders, politicians, and those society has learned to respect and admire.  Some of these individuals have made indelible contributions to American society and living. The concerns in this posting are regarding the response to such individuals in relation to the roles of remaining leaders and how they affect American people, society and education. Since no one is perfect, the expectation is that imperfect people can do great work; however, for those who serve as the leaders of the nation; whereas decisions affect every individual, the standard is raised and should be raised. Living above reproach is required, to reduce weakening the respect of the office which one holds.  

 Policy decision makers, and those who hold office for making decisions for education in America should be those who live with respectable values, and with integrity. As has been witnessed; claiming affiliation with a religious group will not guarantee integrity nor that an individual will uphold an office with respect. Therefore, investigation, examinations, evaluations, and screenings, should be conducted for possible leaders, to ensure that the best and most qualified candidate is selected.  Unfortunately, the foremost qualifications for vanguards for this day are too often dependent on their net worth.

   

Good news is that because several of our recent national leaders have been under intense scrutiny for corruption, this leaves those who hold an office of greatest responsibility at a possible crossroads for doing good. Letting one’s light shine so that men may see your good works is more real than ever. A small light will shine bright in darkness. Where leadership has been corrupted, and anti-American, one must stand firm while upholding the values that will sustain this nation. See the big picture, and know that present decisions will affect the lives of people not just for today but for generations to come. Recognize that the opportunity to make a strategic difference in the education of a nation is given to you; an obvious unique individual.  One’s agenda must include social justice without partiality as this is America, which consists of many and diverse ethnic groups of people who all deserve equal opportunities for education. One’s commitment to serve all the peoples of the nation will be remembered throughout history.

When inequality exists, no one wins. Remember that promoting a superior race will no longer be accepted in America, as too much time and change has occurred to revert or impose such dogma. Although laws are proposed in guise for advancing the lives of American people, chosen individuals, placed strategically, must be ready to fight for the good of American people. The agenda of the corrupt is for ultimately creating a compliant kind of society while bankrupting the nation of its Morales and judgement. Those strategically placed in roles of office must make their voices heard within a corrupt nation among corrupt leaders. Remember that the American people elected corrupt leaders because of their own hate, malice, and jealousy.  Beware, and on the alert, lest the few rich take control of the nation’s educational system while widening the gap between our children and their children, creating an aristocratic society.

Funding Public Schools Versus School Choice

The recently released budget proposal promoting school choice with Secretary Betsy Devos at the helm of education in America has astounded many. Secretary DeVos stated that the budget puts parents in charge of choosing the best school for their children as the budget allocates an additional 1.4 billion dollars for choice programs. Secretary DeVos states a desire to support states and school districts, for providing equal opportunities for all.

Under the “Every Student Succeed Act” (ESSA), more power is in the hands of the states as Secretary DeVos declares more power has been placed in the hands of the states, parents, and educators. Describing the act as providing more flexibility, accountability, and innovation, Mrs. DeVos declares that every child has the chance to learn and to succeed. Under president Obama the ESSEA owns an expectation that already existing educational programs will be improved; that are operated by states and local governments. As part of the ESSA, state assessment Grants are allocated for prevention and intervention programs for at risk, neglected, and delinquent students (Section 1401).  The law ensures accessibility to safe environments, excellent teachers, and support for preparation for success in college, a career, and life. According to NCES (2016), The Condition of Education 2016 data proves quite astounding in light of the new monies being allocated toward choice schools. See tables below. 

The threat of defunding afterschool programs for needy students and families, while providing free meals for each student is under discussion. Each day, reports on budget cuts in education, health care, and other human service programs are announced, as these programs are viewed as ineffective and not accomplishing their intent, as the government feels no obligation to continue their funding.  According to the tables listed, the majority of Americans obviously attend public school, demanding various kinds of needs. As a public-school educator, I can certainly verify the wanting budgets, and the absence of support, and resources for teachers in the public schools. After- all, working with many students at risk, of diverse ethnic groups requires much support.

On the other hand, admissions to private schools (choice schools) are competitive and for the top students who can attain such an entry. Certainly, everyone needs opportunity to achieve their best; however, I believe, that providing vouchers or incentives for students to pursue private schooling must not be viewed in isolation but rather considered for how the traditional schools will be affected by the funding per student. Promoting such an effort must have plans for proper funding and maintaining effective public schools. One must not throw out the old for seeking to advance another when the old serves the masses and is dependent on spending per student, depending on the state. Per student spending may vary from over 6,000 to as high as New York City per student costs of 20, 331. These number have changed over the years, but if a system extracts from the already struggling system to implement something new, then a major restructuring will need to occur.  

The popular or “buzzword” for President Trumps administration is “access” and is often used for replacing policies that have previously helped people. They want to provide “access” to quality education while not guaranteeing equal or fair opportunities into the schools of choice. If funding is being prioritized to improve the private sector and not improving the public schools, then we are catering to the wealthy. Devaluing public education that has educated over 50 million students; according to the recent data, while obviously promoting privatizing schooling through means of funding of 1.4 billion dollars; data shows 5.4 million are enrolled in private education demonstrates a bias and certainly does not represent care for the majority of American students.

We Should Protect our Public Schools

The election of Donald Trump as the president-elect of the United States leaves many feeling apprehensive for the future of our nation, while some are believing that positive change is ahead.  Minimal discussions have been in the forefront of Trump’s campaign regarding the funding of public K-12 schools or education; which leaves educators like myself wondering, but hoping for the best. In retrospect, Mr. Trump has mentioned of school choice in his speeches, as through voucher programs, allowing public monies to pay for private school tuition. Our current President Barack Obama’s efforts for educational reform also embraced school choice. His Race to the Top rewards were given to states with innovative plans for, a) turning around low achieving schools; b) teacher effectiveness; c) data systems measuring student growth; and d) the adopting of assessments and standards for preparing students for the global economy. His Race to the Top reform resulted in rewards with a federal budget of 4.35 billion dollars. If states were to receive any of the Race to the Top funding they had to be amenable to charter public schools. President Obama spoke fondly of charter schools as providing choice for families.  

 My concern is that the threat of closing traditional public schools has become a reality in many urban areas. Selling the idea of alternative kinds of schooling for one’s child is a huge issue for many educators and urban families. While some charter schools have little to no oversight from the communities where they reside, I believe we should be constructively watchful of those who require more public school funding without any oversite from the communities. 40% of charter schools are for-profit schools and 60% are non-profit organizations. Unfortunately, organizations and public school unions throughout the country have had the challenge and threat of public school closures. The issue is relevant particularly as we see the strategies and plans for charter schools for replacing present public schools. Questions one may ask are: why not improve on the already traditional public school as the stakeholders and community are already invested in their success.  Why must innovation and improvement mean to scrap a societal system already in place? Where is the scientific evidence that says charter schools are a better choice or that vouchers will improve for equality in American education? Privatizing seems to be the recent buzz word in public education. Out-sourcing everything from school maintenance, school nurses, and substitute teachers. In the state of Pennsylvania, the newly elected Governor Tom Wolf signed a vetoed spending plan of 23.4 billion dollars; a proposed educational budget, while reinstating the needed funding to public schools contrary to the wishes of the republicans.  

I personally believe we should guard the current public school system, and fund them as an asset to our communities as we apply best practices from teachers and administrators, and the support of parents, stakeholders, and the communities where they exist. Providing the needed funding for educating children, can help to produce successful public schools in America that can restore American pride to our educational institutes and communities.  I do not wish to compare the charter to the traditional public school at this time, but I believe that with everyone doing their part, while not relinquishing ones responsibility fully to the schools, then the work of educating will be successful and rewarding.  To extract funding from already struggling systems is suicide. No school should be expected to function without the needed supports, tools and funding, while at the same time fearing the loss of additional funds for the sake of innovation or vouchers. This to me is futile. The NCLB act has been relaxed and much is presently in the hands of the states for improving education in America.  If other countries can value their public education systems and lead in the world system, so can America. I believe we should work to guard public education as they represent the system of the people.  As Abraham Lincoln once said of our government, we are a system for the people, of the people, and by the people.