I was a public school administrator for 27 years in four very different school districts, including two in Clark County. I fully support private schools, religious schools, charter schools, home schooling and any other option that provides strong, positive learning opportunities for kids. And I fully support public schools, which serve over 97 percent of our children.
Some public schools offer such “options” for kids; many do not. Most schools focus on academics with test scores as the desired results of learning. Other schools, while committed to academic achievement, embed the arts into the academic life of the school in ways that enhance learning. They create a school culture characterized by kindness, compassion and appreciation of diversity. They create opportunities for teachers to be “flexible” in their work with kids, as all kids do not learn in the same manner.
Betsy DeVos speaks of charter schools, vouchers and the “Common Core,” while neglecting teachers and the important work they do in public schools. She has contributed nothing to the national dialogue of how she will support the ongoing growth of our kids and the work of our teachers. Teachers are anxious about an increased focus on testing while opportunities for creativity and innovation disappear. My fingers are crossed.
