When is enough enough?

More attacks on public education, especially teachers, have been taking place here in Michigan.  It wasn't enough that the Republican-dominated legislature has passed and Republican Governor Rick Snyder has signed into law sweeping changes in teacher tenure and evaluations in June.  No, while the legislature did take a break from the onslaught temporarily this summer, they have been back at it full-steam-ahead during the past week and a half.

First, Sen. Pavlov introduces a package of bills (SB 618-624) that further deconstruct public education as we know it.  This package of bills does a number of things such outsourcing teachers (yes, hiring teachers from a private company), lifting the cap on charters, lifting the restrictions on cyber schools, allowing foundation money to go to private schools, and requiring public schools to participate in a statewide schools of choice, with restrictions on turning down out-of-district students. 

What these bills essentially say to current public school teachers and the parents of the children who attend these public schools, is that ANYTHING GOES!!  It doesn't matter about teacher quality, more taxpayer money going to private companies or private religious schools,  or even real,  face-to-face contact with students.  No, none of this matters because the legislature is "reinventing" public education in Michigan, by bypassing unions, siphoning money to private companies and forcing money-strapped districts to accept expensive out-of-district students without any additional funding.  No, this is what is best for the students of Michigan.  Our trusty legislators are education experts, you know, because they themselves have been through the public education system and send their children to public schools (Ooops, they send their kids to private schools, don't they?).

It gets even better...A few days ago, both the Senate and the House introduced bills that would prohibit the collection of unions dues through a payroll deduction.  Why?  It's not that this costs school districts any money.  It's not because it would benefit students in any way.  No, it is only because the MEA supported the recall effort of one of their own, Rep. Paul Scott.  This is nothing more than retaliation for a successful attempt to get the recall of Rep. Scott on the November ballot.  Paybacks.  I'm pretty sure it won't stop here.

If you are a public school teacher, or the spouse of one, or the friend of one, or a parent of public school students, you need to let our Michigan legislators know that this attack on public education and public school teachers must stop!  Please, contact them and let them know that you value our public school system.

I have included a video of MEA President Steve Cook's message to members taped earlier this evening.  He encourages everyone to get involved.  It is no longer acceptable to sit by and do nothing.

Save Our Schools March in Washington D.C.

My transformation into a political activist would not be complete without attending a rally and march in Washington D.C.!

My friend and I drove to Washington D.C. this weekend to attend the Save Our Schools March.  It was hot!! The temperature in D.C. was 104 degrees on Friday.  Luckily, it wasn't quite that hot on Saturday, the day of the march, but it did go into the mid 90's that day.

We didn't stay right in the city, so we had to drive in and try to find a place to park.  It was crazy!  All of the public parking garages were closed, and the meters had a two hour limit.  It was almost as if the city did not want us there.  We eventually found parking several blocks away and had to walk in the scorching heat to the Ellipse where the rally took place.


There were about 5,000 people who attended.  We saw people from all over the U.S.   My friend and I went around and took pictures of all the different signs people were carrying.  Let me tell you, Wisconsin was very well represented!  I think that what has happened in that state has truly awoken a sleeping giant!  The signs reflected the passion of people who have been under attack recently:

They set up a stage and Jumbo Tron screen for the crowd.  They also set up white tents to offer a little shade.  The Washington Teachers Union provided hand-held fans and free water to everyone.   We saw people who were passing out information about the Socialist Labor Party.  We saw others who were trying to drum up support to bring back the Glass-Steagall Act (banking reform legislation designed to stop speculation).  There were also a few signs that supported impeaching President Obama.  These events bring all kinds of people! 

Why were we there?  What were we marching for?  Educators and parents and supporters were there to march for equitable funding of schools, to cease the continued privatization of public education through increasing charter schools, to cease the use of high-stakes testing in evaluating teachers and schools, to end the faulty law known as No Child Left Behind.  These "reforms" are not going to improve education in America.

Attendees of the rally heard inspiring speeches from some big names in education:  Jonathan Kozol, Diane Ravitch, and Deborah Meier.  We also heard from others who have been involved in other rallies across the country.  One was a student from Students for a Democratic Society.  These people are the ones who occupied the capitol building in Madison this past winter.  Comedian Jon Stewart recorded a message for teachers that was played on the Jumbo Tron screen, and we had a surprise visit from celebrity Matt Damon!
Both of these celebrities are children of teachers and had words of support for us. There were many speakers who slammed Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.  I can only hope he listens!

After the speeches, we marched.  In the heat.  To the White House.

Actually, we walked around the White House and back to the Ellipse.  In front of the White House were two other groups protesting, Syrians and Israelis!  They were separated by barricades and were shouting back and forth to one another.  We marched right up the middle of them!  It was a little bizarre.  I thought we would stop in front of the White House and chant or something, but we didn't.

After the march, my friend and I got out of the heat and went back to our hotel in Virginia.  There was a meeting on Sunday to discuss the movement's next step, but my friend and I had a long drive back to Michigan.  Unfortunately, we could not attend this meeting.  I will have to follow up with this through the internet.

Did Washington hear us? I'm really not sure if the march had an impact, but it made me feel like I was doing something.  I am participating in political life.  I have become aware of important issues, and I have taken a stand on them.  I wish MORE people had been there this weekend.  I am discouraged by the apathy that I see around me.  What is it going to take for people to start to take notice and speak out against the attack on the public sector?  I am hoping that more people will read my blog and become aware that we need to speak up!  Please pass this on!