Our state is embroiled in a heavy debate regading education reform. This reform was sprung on people out of the blue - no mention of it was made during the election of the state superintendent. These three propositions basically did away with all master agreements between teachers and districts, striped them of tenure (and any other rights), allowed teachers to only discuss pay and benefits, introduced a merit pay system that had to be earned by teams (based on state test results) and could only be earned by teachers in certain areas (others need not apply), would provide laptops to all ninth graders, and would require students to take online classes in high school.
Teachers and parents have protested, because they were given no input on these reforms. Hundreds traveled to the state capital to comment on these bills - but their voices were ignored. Parents organized and spent months getting petitions signed to put the bills up for a vote. They succeeded, and the propositions are now on the ballot.
To say that things have gotten ugly is an understatement. Frank Vandersloot, the owner of Melaleuca, has led the charge against "union thugs who are trying to take over Idaho's education." This thugs (the classroom teachers) have been accused of horrible things ... I just read a commentary that said the union thugs embraced bullying others, picketing businesses, and even said they were capable of murdering their opposition. Whoa. I didn't realize that kindergarten teacher with the puppets was worse than the Mafia!
I have been trying to understand why people are so hateful about this, and I can only come up with the notion that Mr. Vandersloot is so afraid of his own workers unionizing that he is fearful of any organized group of employees having any say at all. Of course, most of the supporters of the Vote No group are parents, but they're probably pretty dangerous too.
I'm voting no because I believe teacher's should have a say in what goes on in their job. We don't sign away our first amendment rights when we sign our teaching certificates.
I believe that merit pay should NOT be earned by teams or be based JUST on testing scores. Every teacher should have an opportunity to earn this, and it should be based on frequent observations of teaching, student engagement, and the effort the teacher puts into their work. Testing can play a part, but it should not be the lion's share. Would you want your worth based on one to four days of your year? It should be fully and consistently funded (this go round they cut teacher pay to fund it - yes, I know that doesn't make any sense).
I am against the technology strand because it has been so poorly researched. The state has refused to acknowledge the hidden costs beyond the laptops (no mention of the cost of site licenses, tech support, repair, wiring updates, docking stations for charging, internet support, extra servers, filtering for pornography and viruses, etc.) The current deal with HP is to RENT the laptops, with the state bearing the liability of loss or breakage. They are liable for $1100 per computer. The $51 million price tag that was fed to the legislature last year, has now ballooned to $189 million - again, JUST for the laptops.
I have no problem with making online classes available, but requiring them of all students is a mistake. Hundreds of students who have taken online classes have come forward to talk about their experiences. Some liked the option, while others had terrible experiences and either failed or felt they accomplished nothing. The state complains about "one size fits all" education systems, but then turns around and tries to enforce the same on our students. It is also suspicious that the state superintendent's chief election contributors were for profit online education companies.
So ... what has it been like teaching under these laws for the past year? Horrid. The voices of teachers have been silenced. My sister's district even imposed a gag order, forbidding the teachers to discuss or complain about the propositions with anyone (even one another) while on school property. They could not wear anything that could be interpreted as political, nor display anything politically related on their vehicles. We no longer have a say in anything. We are dictated to. Teacher's live in fear, because one false move or word could cost you your job. You feel entirely vulnerable.
My team performed very well on the state tests (with proficiency levels running from 90to 100%) with the exception of one teacher - who scored in the 70s. This failure reflected on all of us and cost us dearly. A bitter pill to swallow during these tough economic times ... and especially dire after five years of budget freezes and cuts. It's hard to accept that 4 days dictates your value and future. I also have a hard time accepting these multiple choice tests as a true representation of my student's ability. In my opinion, the questions are poorly written and vague at times. It is more important to me that my students are able to apply what they have learned to real life situations and problems.
My own daughter is balking at the prospect of taking online classes (how boring!) and is saying she will refuse to do so. Okay, obviously she's been taught about Thoreau and civil disobedience by her junior high teachers.
So ... what if the uber right, anti-union, anti teacher faction is successful and these laws are retained? I am praying they are not. Obviously, things will get even worse for teachers. We've dared to stand up and oppose the state machine, and there's no doubt we will be punished for doing so (yes, sadly this has happened before, after teachers marched on the state capital. An act of defiance we paid for dearly). Our best teachers will leave. Many are already preparing to do so, just in case. But what about me? Let's make this personal. One teacher ... one family.
I will leave teaching in this state. I will qualify to retire under the Rule of 90, and I will take that option. I had intended to teach 5-10 more years. I love teaching. Unfortunately, I no longer love teaching in the state of Idaho. My gut reaction is to put the house up for sale and relocate our family to Washington state. The only thing that stands in the way of this decision is my daughter's love for her friends and her dance studio. She still has four more years of school.
I am concerned for my fellow teachers. The level of stress teachers are under is horrific. I have talked to many colleagues who are experiencing severe stress related illnesses and conditions. When doctors are recommending "getting out of teaching" as a treatment, you have to acknowledge that something is very wrong. As much as we love this profession, a job is not worth dying for.
