Education By A. M. Johnson March 27, 2014
The point of the assembly having the taxing authority is to not only raise the funds to operate government, but to assure that those dollars are spent with justification. They are the check to ask the hard questions that citizens would not have answered by approaching the podium at a school board meeting where limited time is allocated. The NEA teachers' union would be the power behind the throne. Hence the community requires those with the ability to seek answers to fiscal questions as they ponder a huge dollar amount request submitted with scant information, as has always been the case. I applaud the assembly for taking the time and making the effort on my behalf to assure satisfaction to those questions and encourage them to continue. I note that the assembly is acting as an adult where as the school board is acting the child. When diplomatic and decorum dissolves into a shouting match as it apparently has by the board, with one side now making public attacks for lack of ability in answering the questions rather falling back on the old adage of encouraging the Feelings of parents, and militant NEA teachers to March on the Assembly as a debate solution pretty much confirms that Feelings have lost the discussion with those who Think. As one who believes that Teaching to the Test Pre/post testing at ever grade level and an exit test is a confirmation of learning. Particularly if the subject is being an airline pilot! As to Alaska, assume for the moment that you support the dropping of the graduation exit test as it presently exist. As there is no benchmark to reflect the accomplishment of learning other than apparently the feelings by the parents, and teachers with the concurrence of the student, that they have absorbed and demonstrated by some mystic means to all that the student is now ready for the future of advanced education, or entry in the work world. Wonderful. Now advance this philosophy to say a specific industry, take aviation. Why not? We all fly out of here at one time or other. As you approach the aircraft think for the moment that the teaching of flying has adopted the same no exit test philosophy. Just have a desire to be a pilot, play with a simulator, and take some flying lessons. No test, just seat time. Walla! I is a pilot and fly for Alaska Air, no need to practice or work up, No test to prove anything, just the dark glasses, leather jacket, snappy Captain's cap and off we go. The flight attendant advises that there has been an increase in pilot proficiency with the dropping of the last exit test. Now 45% of our flights struggle to reach Seattle, 5% crash , and 50% arrive. Please see that your seat belt is fastened. sit back and relax, crackers and water await during the flight. Just saying. I want my doctors, pilots, and all professionals tested and certified with qualifications beyond feelings and glad tidings . A.M.Johnson "Polite society started dying the day it was no longer necessary for rude men to physically defend themselves from the consequences of their actions." About: "Been around a couple of turns on the Assembly and School Board. Nothing changes." Received March 27, 2014 - Published March 27, 2014 Related News:
Viewpoints - Opinion Letters:
Representations of fact and opinions in letters are solely those of the author. Your full name, city and state are required for letter publication.
|
