New Mexico Education Secretary's Hearings Bring More Light to Corruption in Education Reform
Confirmation hearings for acting state secretary of Education Hanna Skandera in New Mexico took a decided turn towards the sensational yesterday, as testimony revealed details of the inner workings of what is looking more like a political machine advancing the combined interests of education "reformers" and the companies whose interests they are often found to serve. Skandera has been strongly supported by New Mexico's Republican governor Susana Martinez, but these revelations could throw a monkey wrench into the process.
Before we even get to the corruption, there was a detour into silliness, as those testifying sought to redefine what it means to be an educator. The Constitution of the state of New Mexico states that this post must be filled by a "qualified, experienced educator." Up until now, that has meant someone who actually worked in a school, as a teacher or principal. But Skandera has been filling the post for the past two years, as the "education secretary-designate." Skandera's education experience has not included any time actually working in a school. She
Before we even get to the corruption, there was a detour into silliness, as those testifying sought to redefine what it means to be an educator. The Constitution of the state of New Mexico states that this post must be filled by a "qualified, experienced educator." Up until now, that has meant someone who actually worked in a school, as a teacher or principal. But Skandera has been filling the post for the past two years, as the "education secretary-designate." Skandera's education experience has not included any time actually working in a school. She