Missouri State Teachers Association (MSTA ) teachers took time off from school this week to visit the Capitol, and several constituents came by to discuss education.
It is always a pleasure to hear from teachers and observe their almost universal love for their students and commitment to helping students succeed. Although not true of every teacher, many have an inherent fear of competition – anything that gives parents the choice of an education model for their children.
Although fear is often just human nature, some of it may come from insufficient or inaccurate information about the student successes being enjoyed in more than 25 states. It was evident that, with only one exception, the MSTA teachers expressed opposition to giving parents a choice.
The Senate debated and passed an industrial hemp bill this week. Although it is one of the oldest crops known to man, it is unusual because nearly every part of the plant has value. Until recently, however, hemp was an illegal crop due to its relationship to marijuana. For that reason, Missouri plans to authorize a pilot program that is rigorously regulated and monitored. If the pilot is successful, hemp could become a major Missouri crop in a few years.
Crime and prisons are a clear demonstration of fallen human nature, and Senate Bill 793 modifies how we address that nature. Missouri has been one of only five states that prosecutes 17-year olds as adults and incarcerates them in adult prisons. Senate Bill 793 moves them into the juvenile system, thereby keeping them away from older, hardened criminals and gives a young man or woman a better chance to escape the cycle of crime and enjoin themselves to a brighter future as employed, tax-paying citizens. Additionally, youth housed in adult jails are five times more likely to commit suicide than if held in the juvenile system. Based on the results in other states, there is also the possibility of saving money and improving neighborhood safety.
This week was Teen Pact week in the Capitol. Each year, a group of mostly home educated students come with their parents to Jefferson City for a week of training in government. Many, if not all, are Christians, and they learn everything from the Biblical foundation of America’s core principles to the professional perspectives of high-level public servants. I was unavailable to speak to the students this year and none were free long enough to come by the office, but two mothers stopped by to give me a report and pray for me and my office. These students are being taught about the failures of human nature and the principles of a divine nature that will keep them out of Missouri’s prisons.
Finally, the full story of the murder of Officer Chris Morton of the Clinton Police Department is still unfolding. We know that a military veteran and dedicated officer has fallen in the line of duty. Please keep him, his fellow officers and the entire community in your prayers.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/03/07/1-missouri-police-officer-killed-2-others-wounded-in-shooting-suspect-dead.html
The Senate debated and passed an industrial hemp bill this week. Although it is one of the oldest crops known to man, it is unusual because nearly every part of the plant has value. Until recently, however, hemp was an illegal crop due to its relationship to marijuana. For that reason, Missouri plans to authorize a pilot program that is rigorously regulated and monitored. If the pilot is successful, hemp could become a major Missouri crop in a few years.
Crime and prisons are a clear demonstration of fallen human nature, and Senate Bill 793 modifies how we address that nature. Missouri has been one of only five states that prosecutes 17-year olds as adults and incarcerates them in adult prisons. Senate Bill 793 moves them into the juvenile system, thereby keeping them away from older, hardened criminals and gives a young man or woman a better chance to escape the cycle of crime and enjoin themselves to a brighter future as employed, tax-paying citizens. Additionally, youth housed in adult jails are five times more likely to commit suicide than if held in the juvenile system. Based on the results in other states, there is also the possibility of saving money and improving neighborhood safety.
This week was Teen Pact week in the Capitol. Each year, a group of mostly home educated students come with their parents to Jefferson City for a week of training in government. Many, if not all, are Christians, and they learn everything from the Biblical foundation of America’s core principles to the professional perspectives of high-level public servants. I was unavailable to speak to the students this year and none were free long enough to come by the office, but two mothers stopped by to give me a report and pray for me and my office. These students are being taught about the failures of human nature and the principles of a divine nature that will keep them out of Missouri’s prisons.
Finally, the full story of the murder of Officer Chris Morton of the Clinton Police Department is still unfolding. We know that a military veteran and dedicated officer has fallen in the line of duty. Please keep him, his fellow officers and the entire community in your prayers.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/03/07/1-missouri-police-officer-killed-2-others-wounded-in-shooting-suspect-dead.html
Mr. Emery never fails to take a swipe at teachers. Will they remember in November? Probably not.
ReplyDeleteIs this a really fair assessment of what teachers feel? I am sure Senator Emery has not talked to most of teachers is his area, let alone the entire state. But he always seems to take a negative shot against public education.
ReplyDeleteSenator Emery, you know that fear of competition is not the reason teachers regard giving public school monies for vouchers to private citizens so they can send their children to a private school. What they fear is that it will take serious money from the public school system. I have discussed this with you many times; this system will eventually create an elitists educational system. Those who can afford to send their children to a private school with the aid of public school monies will do so. So what monies will be left for the public schools, will be a pittance.
ReplyDeleteNinety percent of the teachers welcome competition. Otherwise why would we prep students to compete is every kind of competition from spelling bees to music.
Please rewire your thinking process and leave out the dollar signs in both eyes.
Thank you for reading this---if you do.
Mary Kuhn