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My name is Erin Osborne. I am not a parent or a teacher. I am a concerned citizen from Binghamton.
There is a saying I'm sure we're all familiar with. "Those who can, do. Those
who can't, teach." But there is a similar saying I have grown quite fond of. "Those
who can, teach. Those who can't, pass laws about teaching." Now, I am not a parent
nor am I a teacher, however I am the daughter and granddaughter of teachers. You could call it the family business.
I am an education writer and teacher advocate. For my latest
book, I spent the last year interviewing hundreds of teachers across the United States in an
effort to share their experiences with those who have no idea what is happening in our schools today.
I wasn't looking for it at the time but a pattern quickly emerged.
Teachers are exhausted, they are frustrated, and they are largely unsupportive of the Common Core standards.
They resent being a part of an education reform, like No Child Left Behind that preceded it,
that they feel is causing more harm than good.
What you've seen at these town halls, Mr. Commissioner, is the result of not including people who matter in the decision making process.
How can you expect to implement anything without teachers being on board?
I have studied the standards but since I lack classroom experience and training I will refrain from discussing their merits or shortcomings,
something I think many education reformers should try doing from time to time.
I do believe that at its heart, Common Core is not education reform, it's a political tool wielded by corporate sponsors.
The Gates Foundation, the Broad Foundation, and the creators of Walmart have as much classroom experience as I do
yet because of their substantial wealththey are able to shape education policy that affects millions.
Our education system is dysfunctional at best and Common Core is merely a symptom.
Case in point, the US Secretary of Education has never worked as a teacher or an administrator.
[ I have to skip ahead...]
Commissioner, you have been the target for a lot of anger and frustration during these town hall meetings.
These are not isolated incidents orchestrated by special interest groups.
The teachers and parents I have spoken to are upset. You can see the passion in the crowd tonight
but I find myself strangely calm. I am calm because I can feel the tide turning.
We may not have been asked for input when Common Core was created, but you're certainly hearing our opinions now.
Being that it is only a few days before Thanksgiving, I thought it appropriate that I take a moment to give thanks.
I am thankful for the concerned parents and teachers who are here right now.
I am thankful I was educated in an era before all this nonsense, a time when teachers were trusted to teach.
And if I am able to correctly read the writing on the wall, I am thankful that Common Core is quickly going the way of No Child Left Behind.