ODYSSEYWARE

In previous posts we have explored the political tensions that are simmering in Maryland over the new efforts to comply with restrictions in the Race to the Top application. Many of the teachers groups there are opposing the state legislature’s efforts to implement pay for performance and charter school legislation that would allow them to compete for the large pot of money dangled by the US Department of Education. California, a state no stranger to economic restraints and tightening budgets, is likewise doing nearly everything to come into compliance with the fund’s requirements. Indeed, California and governor Arnold Schwarzenegger plan to compete for nearly $700 million in funding. However, the government is facing fierce opposition from state groups opposed to some of the proposed reforms. For example, many groups are opposing options for parents to remove their children from failing schools. In addition the governor is proposing greater ability to close or reform — otherwise known as turning around — schools that have persistently missed their AYP goals.

Either way, the fights will continue as the January 19, 2010, deadline looms, and states rush to come into compliance to compete. The bottom line, as many have argued, is that the kids that need reform the most are the primary consideration, as opposed to the parochial interests of politicians and other interest groups.

From the Associated Press:

Margaret Fortune, a California State University trustee who once served as an education adviser to Schwarzenegger, said she has become disillusioned. Many lawmakers put partisan interests ahead of reasonable changes in school policy, she said.

“If they were responsible leaders, they would stand up and say, ‘You know what? We’re leading a broken system, so we need to turn around and fix it, because this is shameful.’” Fortune now runs an independent teacher-training program and has launched several charter schools.