Obstacles to Change
We are all too familiar of the challenges faced by those of supporting substantive educational reforms. As this editorial from The Oklahoman notes, our system of public education is far too comfortable with the status quo and they usually are more likely to take the path of least resistance instead of endeavoring to find real changes that can improve educational opportunities for students.
Last month, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan charged that officials overseeing many of the nation’s poorest performing schools had taken “the path of least resistance” and opted out of making bold changes to improve student achievement. He’s right, and not just on the matter of turning around failing schools.
The path of least resistance — and its close friend status quo — is no stranger to the nation’s schools. How else to explain the prevailing seniority rules compensation system, the continued resistance to charter schools and the dearth of true school choice for children who desperately need it (including those in the president’s own backyard)?
And while we think it is great that Secretary Duncan is calling out members of the National Education Association (teacher’s union), we want to see whether he will truly stand up to them and fight for real change. Sadly the President’s unwillingness to fight to save the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program does not give us great hope.
Comments
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
