Letter to the Editor: Status quo not working
BY Donna Occhipinti Yost, Stillwater
Saturday, February 16, 2013
2/16/13 at 7:26 AM
The Feb. 10 article, "Foundation influences state school policies, law," discusses a report by "a Washington, D.C., advocacy group" but did not state the name of the group. After reading the article, one is left with the impression that the Foundation for Excellence in Education is corrupt and has absolutely no interest in improving education for children. To be fair, impartial and detached journalists, the writers should also report in the article about this "Washington, D.C., advocacy group." Who is it, what is its political affiliations and causes, and, just as important, how is it funded? In other words, who are its members beholden to?
The article quotes (analyst Gene Perry) with the Oklahoma Policy Institute who states that "schools should be designed to educate kids, not make profits off them." The article also quotes others fully entrenched in the education system as it is now. School choice, vouchers, charter schools and anything else that empowers parents is a threat to those currently working in public education.
But the status quo in this nation is not working. Check out your article on Feb. 8 with the caption, "Jeopardy! Teen Tournament Semifinal Match, For the First Time, Ends With No Winner." So those who try to improve a child's education should not be vilified - just ask Michelle Rhee, the founder and CEO of StudentsFirst.
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