Friday, May 25, 2012

Payola Policy: NCTQ Prepares its Hit on Schools of Education - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher

Payola Policy: NCTQ Prepares its Hit on Schools of Education - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher:


Payola Policy: NCTQ Prepares its Hit on Schools of Education

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Our political system has deteriorated to such a degree that policymaking in the education arena has come to resemble the selection of "hits" chosen for airplay by 1950s DJs. Back in the day, the main mode of advertising to promote the sale of records was to have the songs played on the radio. The "Payola" scandal occurred in the 1950s when it was discovered that many of the DJs were routinely making decisions about what to play not based on the quality of the music, but on bribes they were receiving from record companies. Today, our lawmakers work in much the same fashion, with campaign cash leading to laws, and lobbyists, and a growing sector of non-profit groups playing supporting roles.
These are not overnight operations. This a process for those determined to get what they want, and willing to pay