This article by Libby Quaid of the Associated Press ran yesterday, pointing out just how significant President-elect Obama's ambitious infrastructure stimulus plans could be for the nation's schools. Obama has pledged to upgrade and improve crumbling facilities and attain Internet access for every student in the country. Sounds like a smart plan, right? But the article portrays such an idea as controversial, which is pretty shocking and frankly, depressing. Outgoing Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings is quoted as pointing out that billions have already been spent on the federal E-Rate program to provide Internet access in schools, but "it's made very little difference in enhancing student achievement." I take it that is code for "not significantly raising test scores." Right, good point. Who needs the Internet anyway? Clearly these are not important skills to have in today's workplace and in every other aspect of life. Remember, the only important skills are measured by standardized test scores.
Spellings goes on: "We should never spend money in the public sector, especially in
education, unless we're getting something for it, unless it's to some
good end," Spellings said. "I commend him (Obama) for taking that on.
That's another very ripe area. But not unless it's moving the needle
for kids." Right. You've heard the old joke "The beatings will continue until morale improves?" To sum up Spellings' position: "The deplorable conditions and lack of Internet access in your school will continue, unless test scores improve." Wow. Is that actually an argument for keeping crumbling and overcrowded schools as they are, crumbling and overcrowded? Coming from the Secretary of Education? Yikes. I cringed at that one. Let's hope Arne Duncan has a different outlook. And Happy New Year to you!
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