Last year was yet another disastrous year for the state of South Carolina’s public education establishment, which means that the architects of this ongoing “epic fail” will be working harder than ever in 2010 to justify the billions of dollars we annually pour into the nation’s worst system of public education.
“Same sh*t, different year,” in other words.
Anyway, in preparation for the upcoming 2010 elections, one of the groups responsible for the Palmetto State’s chronic academic problems (which impact all South Carolina races and income levels, incidentally) has released “guidelines” to government employees urging them to “be zealous in your civic responsibility by being active in the elections process for public schools!”
“Education Votes 2010,” released by the S.C. School Board Association, provides public employees with the knowledge they need to leverage their taxpayer-funded positions on behalf of “pro-public education candidates.” Basically, the document shows them how to tip-toe around the state’s ethics laws – which prohibit public dollars going toward political purposes.
The memo also breaks down the core messages that will be competing in the campaign to come …
“Anti-public education activists understand the importance of the 2010 elections and their efforts will center on misleading statements and positions about public school performance and funding,” the report notes. “Public education supporters and advocates must be ready to counter these messages but also prepared to proactively inform the public of public education priorities and challenges.”
Hmmmm …
Consider these points:
1. South Carolina taxpayers currently spend over $12,000 per pupil on public education – a record amount that is 4.5% higher than it was a year ago.
2. South Carolina’s overall graduation rate ranks 48th in the nation, while its rural graduation rate ranks dead last nationally. South Carolina is also the only state in the nation that does not release its minority graduation rates.
3. South Carolina’s SAT scores – already among the nation’s worst – dropped in 2009 for the third year in a row. ACT scores, also among the nation’s worst, dropped in 2009, too.
4. South Carolina’s Education Oversight Commission (EOC) wants to adopt new standards for state testing that will “result in dramatic increases in the percentages of students meeting standards in South Carolina schools, even with no actual improvement in student performance,” according to a nationally recognized assessments review.
Of course, these must be “misleading statements,” right?
Needless to say, educrats are preparing to counter all of this via a tried-but-true form of “grassroots” mobilization – corruption.
“As public officials, consider activating your local political machines to support pro-public education candidates,” the report advises.
WEB EXTRA
By NEVER! January 4, 2010 at 11:54 am
Only an out-of-state carpet bagging racists or a bomb throwing anti-government anarchist would have the nerve to call for changes to our precious public schools!
How dare they try to empower parents, improve instruction, or account for public money!
By PasserBy January 4, 2010 at 1:51 pm
Thank goodness this mindset won’t be pushed any higher up the SC political ladder, and will stop at education. It could only get worse if, say, the superintendent of education were running for some higher office, like Governor. Oh wait….nevermind.
By countryboy January 4, 2010 at 3:39 pm
And the Legislature wants to end the stipend for National Board Certification. I happen to know a number of National Board Certified teachers and they are the “best of the best”. Stupid to end the stipend program.
By BIN News Editorial Staff January 4, 2010 at 7:31 pm
sic(k) willie, “You ignorant slut.”
Our Funding Editor dearly loves that wonderful line from SNL.
It defines sic(k) willie perfectly.
Everyone knows the education problems in SC are rooted in the shameful standard our elected officials and Howie’s voucher pimps allow to fester.
We promise kids a minimally adequate education. Shame. Let’s not forget the poverty, the (not so) latent racism, the unemployment and the host of social ills that go along. What a shame. A voucher pimp shame.
Why do sic(k) willie and Howie’s other voucher pimps ignore that shame?
Follow the money for the answer. Voucher pimps are all about money.
They are not serious about helping all children in SC.
BIN News Editorial Staff
Flair and Balanced for 2010
By Swampfox January 4, 2010 at 8:39 pm
What are some examples of some first rate private schools nationwide that cost $12000 or less per year?
By Toyota Kawaski January 5, 2010 at 8:49 am
Yesah Mr. Rich we will still does your works in 2010 yesah
By baker January 5, 2010 at 9:29 am
Seems logical to me that any organization would help inform its members or others it seeks to support on ways to advance their interests….and to do so within the bounds of the law. Good memo on the part of the School Boards Association.
Not sure I totally agree with “countryboy” about National Board certification. I mean, those who have been promised the additional pay should be treated fairly, of course. But, generally, is this the best form of “incentive” pay? I think probably not. There may be great teachers who don’t have time to pursue National Board certification because they’re coaching sports or helping with clubs after school….or raising a family. There may be great teachers who prefer to put their career development efforts elsewhere. I think there are possibly better ways for the state to spend education money.