School Choice, Political Agendas, and Saving the Classroom

Politics and Education. In each, one general principle seems to hold fast: It’s easier to know what people are against than what they’re for. People don’t speak out in favor of what they determine to be a good idea often enough. They’re much more likely to speak out against what they’re opposed to. And in each of these, opinions are plentiful.

At Education America, we think there’s a better conversation to be had in this space. While many of our conversations and guests are addressing bad ideas, confronting toxic philosophies, and calling out bad practices in America’s education system, that’s not what the conversation is ultimately about. 

What We’re For.

To save the classroom, we can’t be in a fight against teacher’s unions or school districts. We aren’t fighting against public education — trying to suppress ideas because we think we’re better, more qualified, or less corrupt. We aren’t fighting against teachers or trying to shrink budgets or opportunities. We’re actually not fighting against anything. 

We’re fighting for students. For all of them.  

Did you know that in the Minneapolis public school system, only 15% of minority students passed math testing and only 30% passed reading? Did you know that according to the 2019 Minnesota Report Card, when it comes to reading proficiency for students tested in grades K-12, 67% of tested white students passed reading tests but only 34.7% of African-American students? There is a clear disparity between how schools are performing. And we can’t ignore these realities. 

So the conversations we are having – like the one we recently had with Senator Roger Chamberlain – are based in the facts of what’s happening around us.

So what’s the answer? 

Listen to Senator Chamberlain’s thoughts and reflections on educational initiatives in the most recent legislation session. His efforts aren’t fighting against schools at all. They’re fighting for students. He’s not putting public school systems down. He’s lifting students up. He’s working diligently to make sure that each student gets to make the decision that’s right for their learning, by making it possible for students to have the resources they need to get the opportunities they deserve.

The efforts by Senator Chamberlain in education to address the huge gaps, conflicts of interest, and inconsistencies in funding and programming for Minnesota’s schools need be engaged in thought and conversation. If we’re not educated on these topics, others will make the decisions for us. And we can’t allow that to happen. The implications are too big.

But the conversation has just begun! Join us as we work to save the classroom…so that we can save the country!