Old school.
You learn not to expect too much from the White House on education issues. There is some good news today. The Washington Post reports that Obama has thrown his support behind Tom Harkin’s education jobs bill. It is a $23 billion measure aimed at averting some of the educational employee lay-offs that are threatened for next year.
The decision by Obama to support the Harkin Bill is important beyond its immediate practical impact. The Reformers like wing-nut Fred Hess of the right-wing American Enterprise Institute, have opposed the Harkin bill, claiming schools are over-staffed, class sizes are too small and is hoping that the present funding crisis has the potential for a Katrina-like impact on union contracts.
Others like Alexander Russo suggest that the threat of teacher lay-offs is overblown. He argues that it is just a ploy to get funding.
And still others like the NY Times, Chicago Tribune and school administrators like NY Chancellor Joel Klein, want to use the present climate to do away with seniority. They would release veteran, skilled and more expensive teachers first in favor of lower paid, younger teachers.
Note that in NY, a hiring freeze is in effect for traditional public schools with the threat of the loss
In a statement to the NY Times last week, Arne Duncan made claim to zero opposition to his education agenda. Since the Duncan agenda was given birth in Chicago in the now abandoned Renaissance 2010 plan, it is only natural for Chicago to voice strong opposition.
Here in Chicago plans are shaping up to challenge his claim.
Sarah Palin spoke at a Republican function in suburban Rosemont yesterday. Tickets for the fundraiser ranged from $25,000 for a place at a private round table, $10,000 for a photo and a seat at a VIP reception and $500 per person or $750 per couple for a spot in the general reception. After she bagged the cash, she attacked the Highland Park High School basketball team