A Reader Writes... (Pulling Out the Rug that was TPM - Part 1)

In response to the 5/26/11 post, “Pulling Out the Rug that was TPM,” a reader writes:

Exactly. Very well put. TPM was a sham that led districts to continue bad policies and practices, my district included. With TPM those bad decisions had less impact. The decision on TPM is obviously political. In January, at the Mid-winter Conference in Austin, the Commissioner stood before thousands and supported TPM. In April, days before TAKS, he changes course 180 degrees. That action makes you question the intent of the accountability change.

SC Response

That’s my point. I am not anti-accountability, in fact far from it. But as educators we have to take control of the agenda. It is obvious that the anti-public school factions are using accountability and funding to dismantle public education. But when our only (or at least televised) responses are perceived as attempting to protect the status quo we seem at best reactionary and at worst selfish and out of touch.

At some point we, as educators, have to stand up and say, “At this time, this is what we guarantee children will be able to do after each year of school (by disaggregated group). This is what it will cost to meet that guarantee.”

This would force the anti-public school faction to produce a viable alternative that produces better results at a smaller investment. If they can, shame on us. If they can’t, then the public will quit listening to them.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...

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