Respectfully submitted by Lawrence E. Rafferty(rafflaw)-Guest Blogger
On the eve of President Obama’s Inauguration for his second term, I thought it might be useful to look more closely at one of his policies that is not working for students or parents. I am referring to his educational policy, better know by its marketing name, Race to the Top. This “quaint” title for his corporate backed privatizing plan hides the negative impact it has had in the schools themselves. It is has led to school closings and teacher firings for the sole purpose of school districts being eligible for the Race to the Top grants from the Federal government!
While this foundation backed type of “reform” was started by the Bush Administration’s No Child Left Behind program, President Obama has taken the No Child Left Behind program to even greater lows. “The current wave of school closings is latest result of bipartisan educational policies which began with No Child Left Behind in 2001, and have kicked into overdrive under the Obama administration’s Race To The Top. In Chicago, the home town of the president and his Secretary of Education, the percentage of black teachers has dropped from 45% in 1995 to 19% today. After winning a couple skirmishes in federal court over discriminatory firings in a few schools, teachers have now filed a citywide class action lawsuit alleging that the city’s policy of school “turnarounds” and “transformations” is racially discriminatory because it’s carried out mainly in black neighborhoods and the fired teachers are disproportionately black.” Common Dreams
In order to understand how misguided this Race to the Top is, we need to take a moment to review just how does it work and how do schools and school districts “win” these federal grants. I apologize for the length of the following quotation, but it is necessary to understand how destructive this program can be.
“Secretary Duncan at his side, President Obama introduced Race To The Top, drawn up by the Bill & Melinda Gates, the Eli Broad, Boeing, Walton Family and other foundations. Under Race To The Top states and school districts are forced to bid against each other for many of the same education dollars they used to receive as a matter of course. The winning districts are those who apply Race To The Top’s four official solutions to their so-called “failing schools.”
Race To The Top’s four federally mandated “solutions,” which are never spelled out by corporate media news outlets, are “school transformations,” “school turnarounds,” “school restarts,” and “school closures.”
Race to the Top defines a “ school transformation,” its first remedy, as firing the principal and up to 50% of teachers, replacing them with temps and newbies, hiring expensive consultants, often the same folks who drafted Race To The Top guidelines or their cronies, to redesign curriculum and personnel policies. “Transformed” schools tie teachers jobs to test scores (that’s what caused the national epidemic of cheating scandals) lengthening school days with no extra pay, cutting wages & benefits and of course lots more costly and useless tests.
Race To The Top calls its second remedy “school turnaround.” Turnarounds are exactly the same as school transformations, with high priced “run the school like a business” consultants, increased reliance on standardized tests, sanctions for teachers and all new hires sourced from Teach For America type agencies, except that transformations fire up to 50% of school staff, but to be called a turnaround schools must fire at least 50% of school staff.
School restarts,” are the third Race To The Top solution. In a “restart” you close the public school and reopen a new school with new staff and the same connected consultants used for transformations and turnarounds, but all under the management of a private corporation. In other words, you close the public school and open a charter school in the same building. Charters of course can use public money to hire even less qualified teachers, pick and choose the students it serves, and often to generate handsome private profits.
Race To The Top ‘s fourth remedy is “school closure. ” You fire the staff, padlock the school doors and let families take their chances on the free market, or find another public school if they can.
The states and school districts quickest to carry out the most transformations, turnarounds, restarts and school closings are the ones who get to keep or increase their levels of federal funding. Those who drag their feet lose federal education dollars. That’s why it’s a race, but not exactly to the top.”
Common Dreams
That is a lot of information to digest, but the bottom line is that school districts have to fire teachers and close schools to increase their chances of getting the much-needed federal education dollars! Race to the Top takes the Bush inspired teach to the test nonsense and includes the requirement that school districts must “turnaround” schools by firing teachers and/or closing schools many times in areas that can least afford the closing of any public schools. Why would President Obama and Sec. Duncan push this kind of abhorrent policy? Your guess is as good as mine, but my guess is that by firing teachers and forcing schools to close serves the privatization model pushed by these very same foundations and corporations.
Is it a good thing that inner city schools are closed and that qualified and experienced minority teachers are replaced by inexperienced teachers in the schools that remain open? Is it any wonder that the Chicago Teachers Union has fought back by striking and by fighting the discrimination of minority teachers firings in court? The Seattle teachers are now fighting the teach to the test mentality that is not preparing our students to think critically.
“For the Seattle teachers, the issue is the district decision to require Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests three times per year and to use the results to judge teachers. The testing juggernaut is out of control and teachers and students are the ones who are directly in its path. Similarly, when Chicago teachers went on strike in September, a key issue was the misuse of student test scores in teacher evaluations. Both actions are part of a growing national resistance to high-stakes testing that includes not only teachers but parents, students, principals, school boards, and education professors and researchers. This resistance includes a National Resolution on High-Stakes Testing signed by more than 475 organizations and 14,000 individuals. In Seattle, some parents had been opting their children out of the tests even before the teachers’ boycott. These parents understand that the Garfield teachers have a powerful case against these tests and their uses.” Yahoo News
Not only is this bad education policy, it continues the corporate backed austerity measures that do nothing but make the economy worse by firing people and making it harder for those same companies to get qualified and educated workers. Is it possible that the true goal of the Race to the Top program is to make sure the public school system fails and allows for charter and private schools to fill the void at a huge cost to the public?
I realize some schools are not successful, but to make the closure of schools that are working to obtain more Federal dollars is not a progressive policy. What do you think?
Darren, thanks for the reference.
this is what happens when you have a large government. It steps on the people.
The reason, as near as I can tell, this is being done is to create a standardized, national education system dependent on Washington, DC for both money and curriculum content. It is an exercise in control and a further reduction of our rights as individuals.
Education should be left up to the local school boards and the parents in the local communities.
I dont know how a progressive can criticize this when most are all for larger government and more control of people’s lives.
raff,
Please read the following link including this excerpt from same:
“The former Illinois senator who in 2008 campaigned for president pledging to curb the role of money in politics has decided to accept unlimited corporate dollars for his second inauguration. His shift from four years ago, when he banned company funding, marks an early strategic step toward building the organization that will finance his presidential library, foundation and other post-White House aspirations, advisers say.”
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-01-17/obama-s-inaugural-fundraising-lays-groundwork-for-legacy.html
These guys are no longer content to wait for somebody else to honor them with a Mount Rushmore. Under the guise of “library” and “foundation” they get to see a grand “I LOVE ME” edifice during their lifetime. I suppose going from most powerful man in the world to the chicken dinner circuit is an ego shock somewhat cushioned by an I LOVE ME edifice.
The problem of course is in kissing up to the money. Obama has four years to kiss up and get the foundation laid. Hello Corporate America … what can I do for you today?
Also, there was a court case here in Missouri (see attached link) where elected and non-elected officials districts, students and parents, etc challenged the state’s funding formula for funding school. The plaintiffs alleged that the current funding formula creates a disadvantage to the poor, and low-income students. The courts all agreed that the current funding formula is adequate. Everyone knows that the schools in the City of St. Louis and in parts of North County are underfunded compared to the students in Clayton, Ladue, Richmond Heights, etc. See attached link:
http://schoolfunding.info/2012/05/school-funding-cases-in-missouri/
DonS wrote:
It will be interesting, for instance, to see if the potential power of the progressive hacker community, as opposed to the corporate technology juggernaut, materializes in the wake of the Swartz scandal.
~+~
You might find the below article to be of great interest and inspiration.
Etoy Toywar
I followed that very closely when it was going on and to me it was the most glorious case of hacktivism in history: With a truly supreme outcome.
The article does not mention that the corporate types talked a judge into fining these folks $10,000 a day if they did not obey what the internet community at the time regarded as a totally unacceptable and misinformed injunction. But do read the article. The full story of what happened, if you research it for your review, is legendary in my view.
Another example of how the elites are purposely destroying that ladder to success (or making it increasingly difficult) for entry into the middle class for the poor (remember, if everyone-in the US-obtained a college degree, then Walton Family wouldn’t have anyone to work at Walmart (remember our economy depends on the need for low-skilled/educational workers); probation and parole officers would slowly lose their jobs; prisons and jails would no longer be filled, and every federal, state, and local law enforcement would only be needed to writing speeding tickets.
The NCES (National Center for Educational Statistics) has delineated steps to improve our educational system, including: making sure the student to teacher ratio is no higher than 10 students to each teacher in order for effective learning to occur; ensuring that teaching and learning styles are utilized to develop the ‘whole’ student (a holistic or reflexive learning approach); importance of healthy meals (breakfast and lunch) for childrens; diversity sensitivity training for all teachers, administrators, and staff; and increase federal and state funding for all school districts to ensure every student have a chance of update facilities, including technology (smart classes), libraries, security and safety, etc.
However, our government continues to ignore these recommendations, leading me to believe that this is done on purpose, and not by accident (did anyone know that, according to the NCES, America’s high school graduation rate is actually 55%-the time a student enters the 9th grade and completes the 12th grade; this 55% includes private and public schools combined, and it is much lower if you remove the private schools).
Carter G. Woodson’s book, “The MisEducation of the Negro”, was one of the 1st books that delineated the truth about our educational system: it is not designed for blacks (or minorities) and women. According to this book (and there have been others that have substantiated his claim, particularly on the feministic view of education), blacks and women learn different (learning styles). Therefore, teaching methods (or styles) must match their learning styles in order for effective learning to occur (A great book on teaching and learning styles is “A learning that Last” by Marcia Mentkowski and Associates, 2000).
I like Darren Smith’s comment above. Reading this blog on a regular basis gives one insight into the viewpoints of others. We are not all of the same elk and it shows. Sometines I agree with both sides to an argument. When I comment, I end up with humor. I am not making fun of people or commentors here but reminding them that we need to enjoy the day.
The school system is one of our biggest problems in America. Often we take pokes at teachers. I was privileged to have many very good teachers in a public school. [back when I was a humanoid] But the problems in schools are tied to the problematic parents. A single parent might think that he or she is Sir Gallahad but having a mom or dad in the house can help not only with homework but with building an adult outlook in the child as he or she grows up. Its 18 up or out in America if one goes by the 26th Amendment to the Constitution and 18 can arrive sooner than an Okie from Muskogee. The early pre school years seem to be important to me as a way of reform. We need single parents to find an aunt or uncle to fill in the void for the absence of papa or momola. Granpa do your best. We need TWO parents to show up at the parent teacher conference. Not just one and certainly not Zero.
These refrom methods will come and go. I say that each kid needs two parents. If daddy dont live at home with momola then he needs to be there early and often with kiddo and certainly at the parent/teacher meetings. Big Bird is ok but after the evening news the TV has to go off and books get opened. Mom and dad can learn to read too. And quit smoking.
“Most believe monocultural and being in power holds the key to unity, but I would say being the opposition can be equally as strong.” (Darren.)
Witness the Tea Party as part of the coalition defeating SOPA.
I would like to think principled opposition and coalitions of convenience might portend the realignment of political power and perhaps the arising of a viable third party. But I think this is not likely, and perhaps the best that can be hoped for is shifting coalitions of non-politicians with enough temporary clout to override the politics of corporatism, croneyism and greed.
It will be interesting, for instance, to see if the potential power of the progressive hacker community, as opposed to the corporate technology juggernaut, materializes in the wake of the Swartz scandal. (and it is and should be a massive scandal to the federal ‘justice’ system)
Sorry to go OT.
Thanks ID, Thunder and Mike S. and Darren and Justice Holmes.
Blouise, in my opinion, this kind of program is not designed to help any President build their presidential library. It is merely a misguided attempt to satisfy corporate donors while at the same time making themselves look good. On the other hand, I guess if they or the donors are happy with the sell out of our schools, maybe they will give more money to a library. Maybe you are right.
Steve,
as a Chicago area native, I understand the concern of the past failings of the Chicago Public school system, but privatizing never works. You may not care if the teachers in schools with primarily minority populations are minorities, but the students and the community that they work in do. No one is suggesting that these schools should maintain a certain prescribed minority teacher level, but the staff should reflect the community to some degree.
Steve,
please expound on how the teachers or their union made the school system worse? The teachers and union do not make policy. They have to work with subpar materials and buildings and many in communities with extreme poverty. How will closing their schools help that? How will forcing students to go farther away from home induce them to stay in school? How will for profit schools make it cheaper and better?
Thanks Rafflaw, I could not agree with you more. The corporate goal of destroying public education has all but been achieved. Parents are convinced that turning over the education of corporates sponsored charter schools is all that separates their children from disaster when the real impact is a end game of education on the cheap in order to increase profits. When all education is private education will return to its ancient roots as a luxury afforded only to the wealth or the well connected.
There is nothing more telling than the fact that American programmers are losing their jobs while Microsoft lobbies for more special visas so that they can import cheaper more pliant ones.
And to Blouise whos contribution came in while I was writing my post:
Examples:
Blouise: Obama is only using this to help build his library / legacy.
So far I am very much enjoying the comments here. (and it is early and I expect some delicious ones to come)
I enjoy seeing people who have different and strongly held beliefs coming together collectively to oppose something that all agree is garbage. And the icing on the cake is each one of those persons do so for very different reasons, and the cherry on top is that they are all correct in their views.
The examples so far:
Lawrence: These foolish programs are hurting childrens’ educations.
Idealist: Another example of the government mishandling a program
Don: Useless members of congress use this to line their own pockets.
Mike: The government sells out to corporations so they can profit off us.
Darren: Federal Government coerces states with money, States Rights are being destroyed.
A diverse and eclectic opposition is important in converting the idea that something is viewed as being merely lacking to one that is viewed as being fundamentally broken or even dangerous; a unification that can actually grow in strength to tear down these bad policies.
It also fosters over time a sense of kinship between groups that may not have seen common interests with each other but in the furtherence of their unified opposition to an issue their communication between each other forms understandings and even mutual respect. In the end maybe if it continues long enough maybe these groups will view themselves as a team or a culture, respecting each other’s viewpoints and valueing their diversity and as being equals.
Most believe monocultural and being in power holds the key to unity, but I would say being the opposition can be equally as strong.
This guy has a library to build … a monument to himself to construct. Five million dollars is the conservative estimate for the building then we have the endowment to keep the brass polished and guarantee his family and friends a place to work. Well, not work, exactly, but a Board to sit on and draw pay from.
Privatizing public education is a great way to earn legal contributions for his library/monument. That’s going to be his only real contribution to education for the next four years. We’re on our own, as usual. Fight this issue at the state and local level and through your Federal representatives. Make it an issue that affects their election campaigns.
Forget looking to Obama for help … he’s going to be spending the next 4 years tending to his post presidency, “I LOVE ME”, building.
Mr. Rafferty:
Haven’t studied the issue, so I can’t suggest solutions.
Chicago public schools have been failing their kids for many years. Little changed (except education got worse) over the past 20 years. Young people left the Chicago school system destined for a life of failure.
I have no idea if the current plan will work, but the old plan was abysmal.
I don’t care if the percentage of black teachers is 100%,45% or 0; the only criteria has to be competence and the old system failed too many kids over too many years.
I don’t care if the teachers union hates this plan – their ox is getting gored and they contributed to the current failure.
You make a lot of statements attacking this plan – I am willing to accept that premise (I am no Obama supporter) if you can give objective reasons saying why.
I hope that you will write a longer article that explains why this current plan is worse that the old failing system.
The Golden Handcuffs of federal funding programs. Thank you for posting it is good to know.
This does seem rather draconian. Close the school down and lock it up so that you can better educate the children, the education analogue to “We had to destroy the city to save it.”
I am rather tired of seeing how the federal government coerces the states and local governments, making the states indentured servants of the feds.
Ordinarily I am against state income taxes. But I wonder if there is something to be said about states having these state taxes being used to pay for the money the feds provide to other programs so the state can then decline to accept federal funding. My understanding is (though I have never paid state income tax so I don’t know) that state income tax can be deducted from federal taxes. Hopefully this is a wash in what is paid is the same in the end to the tax payer.
Like anything else, when you become a dependent, you give up some of your freedom. There is seldom a free lunch.
Raff,
A very important topic expounded excellently. Almost every study of public school privatization has shown failure and economic excess to be the result. Yet this Obama administration seems determined to contiinue giveaways to educational for profit corporations. Another example of exploitation of the people in the pursuit of corporate socialism.
Brilliant. Thank you.
I’ve been involved in quite a few professional situation involving designing eligibility criteria for programs, implementing same, and applying for funds under such programs. But I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a blatantly negative policy driven set of criteria.
Is it a continuation of the privatization push that conservatives have been advocating for all manner of governmental services? Add to which is the ideologically driven charter school movement which, it has seemed, is a misguided attempt to take a meat axe to school budgets and supposedly create savings while, at the same time, creating a for-profit motive redounding to the benefit of the same foxes who devastate the hen house.
With the US continuing to fall behind in educational measures, it seems clear that appropriate change is required. But whoever sold Obama this heavy handed approach — and I’d really like to see the empirical justification for the methods behind this program — needs to be hauled before Congress.
Oh, I forgot, Congress is about useless, except perhaps the money behind this program somehow fits into members’ strategy for feathering their own nests, and getting reelected.
Raff,
Good work. A sorry situation exhibiting our usual way of being mishandled by our gov. Will try to take a slow readthrough later.