My name is Jennifer and I am a special education teacher. After a thorough search through the line up of presidential candidates for the 2008 elections, I have decided to give my full support to Congressman Ron Paul of Texas. In order to share with you how and why I have arrived at this choice, I would offer the following thoughts.
This year, a landmark law, "No Child Left Behind", is up for debate to be reauthorized by congress. Myself and thousands of other educators across the nation are waiting with baited breath to await our fate at the hands of the "powers that be" in Washington. Educational accountability by itself is not a negative thing by any means. As a classroom teacher, I feel an ethical responsibility to provide the highest level of education to my students supported with a foundation of equally high expectations. In this way, I reach my students where they are functioning academically and socially, helping to guide them to reach their potential and become contributing members of society.
Unfortunately, No Child Left Behind has swiftly become a hindrance rather than a tool for success in the execution of my job. It has not changed my expectations or demeanor towards my students, but has placed limitations and unreasonable benchmarks to work toward by mandating standardized testing of all students in order to measure yearly student progress and teacher quality. This presents several issues and I feel compelling reasons as to why this law must not be reauthorized. They include teacher licensure, out of level testing, student motivation, curriculum alignment, and the limitations of standardized tests and scores.
Ron Paul voted against this legislation, citing "violations against the rights of states' and local communities' authority to control education free from federal interference" which is protected under the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Out of the current field of candidates, only two opposed this legislation, and several others continue to change their minds about it depending on what is "popular". We need a leader in this country that will stick to their convictions no matter what the political tides bring. As proven by his voting record and comportment in congress, Ron Paul is that leader. For once there is a candidate who truly supports teachers and the students who are the future of our country.
2 comments:
Thank you, Jennifer, for starting this discussion. We as educators need to be on top of this issue.
Thanks for giving a report "from the trenches." I'm searching everywhere for opposition to government mandates in education and your comments were insightful.
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