For years, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has imposed decisions on our schools, removing critical elements like phonics, cursive writing and prioritizing informational texts over classic literature. Teachers, parents or community members did not make these decisions — they were handed down by bureaucrats in Jefferson City, disconnected from the actual needs of our students.
I’ve seen this firsthand. I sat in two standard writing workgroups where educators, teachers and parents all participated. We made clear recommendations, but DESE threw them out, disregarding the input from those who understand what works in classrooms and were trying to elevate public education.
A school board member I know ran for office believing in local control. He wanted to give parents and teachers a voice in their children’s education, but once he was on the board he quickly realized how difficult that would be.
At every meeting, policy recommendations came from associations that mirrored the department’s desired outcome, often presented as a done deal. When he questioned these policies, he was warned that pushing back could put the district in conflict with DESE — a decision that might risk the school’s accreditation and funding.
His story isn’t unique. Many school board members feel that their role has been reduced to rubber-stamping decisions made elsewhere.
His story isn’t unique. Many school board members feel that their role has been reduced to rubber-stamping decisions made elsewhere.
The pressure to conform is overwhelming, and the fear of retaliation keeps many from speaking out.
Missouri’s education accountability system relies on computer- adaptive tests — tests that are proprietary, meaning no one gets to see the questions or results, not even after the test is completed. This lack of transparency is alarming.
In contrast, many other states that have higher performance outcomes use third-party accreditation systems, which offer more local involvement and clearer assessments of school performance. Missouri’s current system, driven by testing companies, leaves families in the dark about the progress their children are making and doesn’t allow local communities to have a say in the process.
Where private education and school choice are not feasible, are we to leave families to navigate a system dictated by DESE, where mandates often don’t meet the unique needs of the community? This creates even greater disparities in education and limits opportunities for many students.
Missouri Senate Bill 360 is a crucial piece of legislation that aims to restore local control to Missouri’s schools.
School boards comprise the largest elected representative body in the state, and yet they have been handcuffed. Imagine if your local school boards could make decisions based on the needs of their own communities — local control means that parents, teachers and board members have a real say in shaping the education system, not just bureaucrats in Jefferson City.
On April 8, Missourians will vote for school board members across the state. This is a chance to reclaim control over our children’s education and elect leaders who will stand up for local control and push back against the mandates that are hurting our schools.
On April 8, it matters.
14 comments:
More political hogwash from a rightwing politician. Who's been spending an asinine amout of money on electronic scoreboards, artificial turf, stadiums, and every other athletic item? Your local scoreboard! This politician paints a whining pathetic picture of school boards with no power...heinously and egregiously wrong. If school boards cared as much for education as much as athletics, our area wouldn't be considered a poverty striken area. Politicians will do or say anything to prop themselves up. This particular politician is no exception.....a partisan weakling.
Tell us you have uncoordinated children without telling us you have uncoordinated children.
Well, currently my local school board has put a measure on the ballot that will generate $14,000,000 more in annual revenue and another measure to continue a bond levy so the district can build a $25,000,000 auditorium that it doesn't need. The local school board spends $15000000 per year than comparible neighboring disticts and are asking for more. Yes, all fact that are verifiable. So, rather than focus on academic it is more pompous and mis directed. The typical school board member has to play along because they are ignorant (not stupid). It is they have spend like a few hours every other week being indoctrinated with a buricratic agenda of administrators who are slaves of failed system.
Unfund athletics... focus on academic achievement... that's a thought!
Locally we have a school board member who is professional a financial advisor (so, he says) yet are we are told the district is in financial distress, now they want to build a $25 Million when they have proven ill financial management skills.
Agree, can't fix it with more taxes.
Funny - All of you that Voted for Sports Betting to Save the Schools and Give all the Teachers Raises - was again more BS, just like when Missouri Voted for Lotto to Save the Schools and Give all the Teachers Raises - -
The lotto was a huge public deception
Just because a person can't afford an $80,000 pickup truck doesn't mean someone won't lend them the money to buy it!
Jasper County is putting forward a 3/4 of a cent sales tax on the April ballot. The County Commission did not require a petition drive so the facts of the measure have not been debated. A 9 member board appointed by the Commission will determine what social programs to fund with the 5$million dollars per year. Citizens may worry about the funding of social-emotional learning programs and other activist events. On the
Federal level this has funded social activism not widely supported by parents. Car sales and other large purchases in the County will be affected. I would suggest a negative vote. It seems the measure is rushed and more debate and discussion is needed. Commissioner Landis made a public statement recently and it seemed he was very supportive of the measure and the 'rush to judgement.' Of course if a vote will put it in, a future vote can rescind it without a petition drive.
250, I have no idea how your post applies to a mediocre politician and her description of feckless, ineffective local school boards. A replacement of leadership from the top down in this country is desperately needed.
If Missouri is now going to make education decisions based on political rhetoric, perhaps it is time for senior citizens in Missouri to stop paying property taxes. None of the statements made about changes or substandard conditions have been supported by any fact-based studies. This situation is not just local gamesmanship. Our children deserve better than this mess.
Did this politician ever sit on a school board and make decisions for or against athletics? No. You retard.
The infiltration of rightwing board candidates (ex. Mothers for liberty) and others have severely crippled education (see oklahoma) and essentially reduced it to everything the founding fathers feared. The separation of church and state was purposely written in the constitution to prevent religious beliefs from taking over the God given ability to learn. Of course, when you have a deeply flawed and overzealous rightwing legislature as missouri, the will of the people mean nothing. Magats believe they know what's best for everyone.......
I call BS on that one.
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