Dear President Obama...Sincerely, Parents Across America

[proud2BlibKansan]

Dear President Obama:

Several weeks ago, we wrote to you about our concern that your proposed “Blueprint for Reform” did not acknowledge the critical role parents must play in any meaningful school improvement process. We also expressed our serious reservations about some of the Blueprint's strategies.

Our goal is simple – to ensure that our children receive the best possible education. As parents, we are the first to see the positive effects of good programs, and the first line of defense when our children's well-being is threatened. Our input is unique and essential.

Recently, Secretary Duncan announced that he would require districts that receive federal school improvement grants (SIG) to involve parents and the community in planning for schools identified for intervention. We appreciate this response as a first step; however, more needs to be done.

First, leadership must come from the top. We would like to see meaningful, broad-based parent participation not just in our local districts, but at the U.S. Department of Education, where critical decisions are being made about our children's education.

more . . . http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/parents/dear-president-obamasincerely.html

[Smarmie Doofus]

1. K and R But I think they're knocking on the wrong door.

>>>>>Second, we need more than rhetoric to feel confident that only educationally sound strategies will be used in our children's schools. The current emphasis on more charter schools, high-stakes testing, and privatization is simply not supported by research. Disagreement on these matters is not a result of parents clinging to the “status quo,” as you have recently asserted. No one has more at stake in better schools than we do – but we disagree with you and Secretary Duncan about how to get them.>>>>>



There is " no one home" as far as this issue is concerned.


No forwarding address, either.

[proud2BlibKansan]

2. Can't blame them for trying

I definitely understand their concerns. Wish more parents were aware of what is going on.

[Smarmie Doofus]

3. Weird thing is that....

... at least in urban areas ( i.e. the school systems that the $$$ foundations are bent on "reforming") PS parents appear to be overwhelmingly opposed to almost every element of the agenda.


Such is suggested by the limited polling data available and by much anecdotal evidence. So they are aware... but there's a disconnect politically.

[proud2BlibKansan]

4. Unless more parents get involved these deforms will be imposed

More troops are needed for this battle.

[Smarmie Doofus]

5. I wish there was more interest in the issue...

... among the DEM rank and file.


You have , naturally , the entire GOP lockstep in favor of privati..... ummmm ... I mean "reform". And you have the "usual suspect" RW DEMS.

Then there's mainstream DEMs that who remain largely silent.... perhaps indifferent... to the entire issue.


Tell these folks that the ruling elite wants to privatize SS and they're getting out their torches and pitchforks.

Tell 'em that the same people want to privatize public schools .... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.