Schools Matter: Three Good Anwers to Poisonous Waiver Plan: No Thanks, I Said No, and Hell No

Schools Matter: Three Good Anwers to Poisonous Waiver Plan: No Thanks, I Said No, and Hell No:

Three Good Anwers to Poisonous Waiver Plan: No Thanks, I Said No, and Hell No

by Jim Horn

This came to the EPATA listserv. A letter by Coos Bay, Oregon teacher, Michelle Newsum:

I am (partially) in agreement with the Oregonian editorial board. Oregon should not pursue a NCLB waiver. Instead we should refuse to comply with No Child Left Behind or Race to the Top and demand complete restructuring of ESEA.

School was a much better place for children before NCLB. Kids were learning to read with great children's literature, they experienced hands-on science, they wrote across the curriculum, and math was constructive and meaningful. Music, drama and art were woven into daily studies. Class sizes were smaller. Teachers focused on individual students' strengths, interests and needs. Educators collaborated to refine their craft, and teachers enjoyed their important work.

With the test and punish policies of NCLB and Race to the Trough, frightened school districts