Wisconsin Senate Bill 1: Less Flogging is still Flogging
As most of you know the Wisconsin House republicans had a hearing on their destroying public schools accountability bill (Assembly Bill #1) a few weeks ago. Read here for a review of that disastrous day.
It’s now been two days since I went to the capital in Madison to testify against Senate Bill #1. In case you’re wondering, Senate Bill #1 is another silly school “accountability ” bill. And yes I actually waited 7 1/2 hours this time because it was really important for the 6 people left in the room to hear such a blistering and historic oratory.
However, after some reflection I am really troubled by what I heard from people who were supposedly there as supporters of public education. Time and time again, public school administrators went to the microphone and literally thanked the Senate for putting forward a bill that was (And I’m paraphrasing), “not as bad as AB #1 and not punitive.” In fact the School Administrator’s Alliance (SAA) “Representing the Interests of Wisconsin School Children” called Senate Bill #1, “a significant improvement over Assembly Bill #1.”
Is it really an improvement when our public schools—the hearts of our communities—can still be privatized? And please explain how the continued use of high stakes standardized tests as an accountability tool is not punitive? Children are damaged cognitively and psychologically every time they are forced to take a high stakes standardized test.
Where’s the improvement? There isn’t any and its extremely simple why? Children are not struggling in schools because of a lack of accountability. Children are struggling because accountability denies them the opportunities and essentials for success in school. In fact, here is what I said on Tuesday,
I am here today as a citizen, a parent and a long time educator. I start my testimony by asking the committee three questions.
- Does this bill provide blankets for homeless children?
- Does this bill provide supplemental health care and nutrition for sick and hungry Wisconsin Senate Bill 1: Less Flogging is still Flogging | BustED Pencils: