Obama administration pushing more charter schools on clarkhoward.com

There's been more government involvement in our lives during the past year than Clark can ever remember. Often it seems that President Obama's whole thrust is about more and more central control on our lives.

Yet there was a recent shocker from the Obama administration that ran completely counter to that assumption.

The feds are now trying to convince states in the clutches of teacher's unions that are hostile to innovation to give charter schools a try. Charter schools are typically beloved by Republicans. But good ideas (or bad ideas) can come from anywhere on the political spectrum.

The Wall Street Journal reports seven states have eliminated the vice grip that choked or outright prevented charter schools in their borders. This is good stuff, according to Clark. More competition from charter schools means better education for our children.

We spend huge money via our tax dollars -- whether you have kids or not -- to pay for a broken public school system. Of course, there are hardworking teachers in every kind of school, including public schools. But Clark believes our Soviet-style of public education has stifled the energy and enthusiasm of some of our best teachers.

He also wishes we had more of a consensus on vouchers. For now, charter schools are a decent halfway point. True, the quality of charter schools runs the gamut. But the marketplace sorts it out and puts the bad ones out of business.

Congrats to the Obama administration for doing something Clark didn't expect. The teacher's unions were a big supporter of the President's when he campaigned against McCain and he didn't think Obama would cross them.

What others are saying

Debating Different Issues
"Principals ARE Dictators" -
I do believe that we are debating different issues. Where you pull in specifics, I merely referred to broad situations. Do I believe that principals call the shots in most situations? Yes, I do. However, I was merely reminding others that when it comes to certain mandates, expectations, and procedures that come about - it is not often directly from the principal but higher up.

With the stress of "making AYP" these days, most often the principals are forced to comply with directives that are "suggested" and "hinted at" by those from 'above.' For those principals that are genuinely interested in the staff that they've hired and the students within their school, they work to adapt these "suggestions" to suit their school's population (staff & students included). They try to find measures that will be least obtrusive to the staff while still serving the needs of the children.

I'm not a new or young teacher, and I'm certainly not administration. Though I hold degrees that qualify me to be, I've opted to remain in the classroom to avoid the 'red tape' that I am seeing has to be faced when in an administrative position. And when coming into the education arena, I entered because of an interest in children and their futures - not to be under the eye of boards that have most likely never once set foot in a classroom as an educator. Therefore, my leadership degree goes unused in that area, but instead I use it within my teaching assignment.

I hear what you are saying and understand completely - however, I think we may be addressing different issues in regards to the principal issue. I am with you on the fact that there are powers that a principal possesses and puts into play that aren't for the best interest of the staff and/or the children. I've CERTAINLY worked for that dictator before and left for the same reason.

However, though I was jaded for a good bit because of that administrator, I came to learn that they aren't all like that. And with that said, I think you and I are in the same corner - but just trying to fight different issues.

Thank you for being in education for as long as you have been. I'm not that experienced, but I am close and still love and adore my job. I just am not pleased with the direction that education is taking in respect to expectations and pressures.

Hope you are having a great start to the new school year!
By funeduc8or @ 08/22/09 11:08:08 PMreport abuse
Principals WITH Control
The comment about principals following board directives is TOTALLY INACCURATE. If the author is perplexed, the posting MUST have been made by a very young teacher, an inexperienced teacher, or a school Administrator (Principal or Assistant Principal). I urge any of you to contact GAE or PAGE (teachers will NOT talk for fear of retribution) and ask them to tell you about all the grievances and Ethics charges that have been filed over the last several years.

School Boards and School Superintendents DO NOT direct principals to:
•tell teachers what grades to give
•harass teachers
•micromanage teachers
•keep incompetent and abusive teachers
•bully the staff
•assign teachers to different grade levels and different subjects each semester
•assign teachers subjects they have never taught after many years of teaching
•assign teachers the worst behaved students in the school (YES they do that)
•totally refuse to implement discipline to students or ignore students who desperately need to be disciplined
After 25 years in a large Metro school system, I have worked for only ONE principal who had integrity and was not a bully and stood up for teachers.

Even the Georgia Professional Standards Commission will not hold Principals or unethical Teachers accountable. Case in point: we had a teacher who was BEST FRIENDS with our principal and the teacher “accidentally” showed a porno tape he had brought from home to students who were recording speeches for student council. As a result of the principal going to bat for him he was put BACK in the classroom after a county AND PSC investigation. We concluded he would had to have sex with a student before being taken out of the classroom.

The only powerful tool that the public or teachers have against principals and inept school boards is to contact the media and somehow convince them of whatever unethical, illegal, or immoral situation is going on at the time. NOTHING makes school districts correct situations faster than having their dirty laundry aired to the public.
By Principals ARE Dictators @ 08/22/09 09:07:24 AMreport abuse
Principals With Control?
The comment about principals following board directives is TOTALLY INACCURATE. If the author is perplexed, the posting MUST have been made by a very young teacher, an inexperienced teacher, or a school Administrator (Principal or Assistant Principal). I urge any of you to contact GAE or PAGE (teachers will NOT talk for fear of retribution) and ask them to tell you about all the grievances and Ethics charges that have been filed over the last several years.

School Boards and School Superintendents DO NOT direct principals to:
•tell teachers what grades to give
•harass teachers
•micromanage teachers
•keep incompetent and abusive teachers
•bully the staff
•assign teachers to different grade levels and different subjects each semester
•assign teachers subjects they have never taught after many years of teaching
•assign teachers the worst behaved students in the school (YES they do that)
•totally refuse to implement discipline to students or ignore students who desperately need to be disciplined
After 25 years in a large Metro school system, I have worked for only ONE principal who had integrity and was not a bully and stood up for teachers.

Even the Georgia Professional Standards Commission will not hold Principals or unethical Teachers accountable. Case in point: we had a teacher who was BEST FRIENDS with our principal and the teacher “accidentally” showed a porno tape he had brought from home to students who were recording speeches for student council. As a result of the principal going to bat for him he was put BACK in the classroom after a county AND PSC investigation. We concluded he would had to have sex with a student before being taken out of the classroom.

The only powerful tool that the public or teachers have against principals and inept school boards is to contact the media and somehow convince them of whatever unethical, illegal, or immoral situation is going on at the time. NOTHING makes school districts correct situations faster than having their dirty laundry aired to the public.
By Principals ARE Dictators @ 08/22/09 09:04:39 AMreport abuse
Principals With Control?
I am a bit perplexed at the comments that I am reading advising that public school principals pretty much run their school. This is not the case, actually. School boards toss down their directives to principals, and though some may ease their staff into them better than others, it still all trickles down from 'above.' Principals have limited say in many aspects of their position, yet the variation is how and how quickly implementation of things takes place.

Don't be mislead by others that one type of school is better than another. Public, private, charter, Montessori.....they all have their pros and cons - it's up to parents to decide what works best for their child.
For me - public education was a benefit to me. I grew up in the urban downtown area of my capital. I was the minority as a white girl, but I chose my battles - and my battles paid off. You CAN actually be responsible....and for some of these that are going through school, they aren't seeing responsibility at home so why demonstrate an unfamiliar concept in school?

Take it easy on us public schools teachers. We are TRULY working hard at what we do.
By funeduc8or @ 08/21/09 10:21:44 PMreport abuse
Charter Schools - teach Chinese.
My son goes to a charter school in GA. and they are teaching him Manderin Chinese as a language in kindergarden...

The class is super diverse: 60% black,20% white, 10% asian 5% spanish, 5% Indian... The teacher emails us daily updates on the status of his class. They all wear uniforms. And the school is probably more strict than most public schools... If your kid is acting up on a regular basis - they will kick him out... So far, we are very impressed and excited.
By DougATL @ 08/21/09 09:07:44 PMreport abuse
It is the Principal of the Thing
After 25 years in a Metro Atlanta school system, I can ASSURE you the major problem with public schools is that Principals do not have to answer to ANYONE. Case in point: During pre-planning our principal told ALL teachers that they could no longer give zeroes for ANY work assignments. He told us that the lowest grade we could give was a "50", since that was also an "F". So. . . . .if students do NOTHING THEY STILL RECEIVE A 50. And guess what? His Superiors all know he did that and they turn their heads and do NOTHING.

You want to REALLY know what is wrong with our public schools today???---Principals are virtual dictators, regardless of Georgia Law, and they answer to NO ONE!!!

I would like to cordially invite ALL of you who readily criticize our public schools to try substitute teaching for ONE week. I would LOVE for Neal Boortz to try coming into our Metro schools and seeing for himself how similar Nazi Germany is to Major School Districts (Nationally, by the way)
By From One Who KNOWS @ 08/21/09 05:56:56 PMreport abuse
Hold your applause
This is just lip service from the Obama. Nothing concrete has come out of this admininstration in the last 210 days except a mssive deficit.
By J.J. @ 08/21/09 01:17:07 PMreport abuse
Hands off my Education
I don't know why the government is bothering to get involved in anything be it healthcare, education etc... It's obvious we want to be left alone. Let the sick die, let the uneducated suffer their fate. let the planet rot and so on. Why delay the inevitable. In 100 yrs we won't even be the world power we are now, it's all headed that way. Leave us alone and let us live as we wish until it all comes to the breaking point and we are ready to suffer those consequences. In case Clark hasn't mentioned it China is our banker and they will be sending us to collection soon. The U.S.A.= Made in China. Government control of your life, well let's see how we like the Chinese government vs. somebody like Obama.
By Eric @ 08/21/09 01:14:32 PMreport abuse
Only excuses for not taking responsibility
When talking about School vouchers, that is a great idea, and yes saves money!!!

I am a Hispanic born in the USA but raised in Mexico. My parents (factory workers) have always given us the best education possible with no limits (public & private) but never had cable, a nice car, video games, outside dinner or fancy outfits: Education was always first!

So when saying that only white kids can go to private schools and only the "poor" will stay at public (or crapy ones), please don't generalize (Mr Morris) because this was not my case.

With spending responsibility comes good investment. Ah, and I am doing the same for my daugther!.
By Adolfo Quintero @ 08/21/09 11:46:32 AMreport abuse
Education
I know most people could not afford to teach their kids at home but I got so tired of my three children NOT learning at school. You pay for uniforms and lots of extras. You pay for two meals and any snacks. You pay LOTS for taxes for the schools. What we had to do is not buy a new car, Cut back on TV cable. Shop at resale stores for everyday items. Learn by reading on Household repairs. Shop for things that others are planning to throw away. Most of all use COUPONS!! There are many things that you can start today like make it a special occasion to go out to eat. Go to the library and learn how to cook chinese, Mexican dishes. Check out the book The Tightwad Gazette 1,2 and 3. Read and make it a game on learning and living. You can live on less.
By Sue @ 08/21/09 11:12:40 AMreport abuse
Charter Schools "Obama Style"
If the Obama Administration does for charter schools what was done in Chicago School system we should not expect much. It would be nice to see half of what is spent in public schools given to parents willing to send a child to a school of the parents choice. This would be a savings of 50% for the government. Many poor people choose to send their childeren to private schools for an education. Not because of social issues. Why don't you stop keeping up with the Jones and provide you kids with a great education. They don't need cable T.V. or a fancy new family ride or big house.
I think Clarky cares about spending less, saving more and avoid getting ripped off. Look at what most government schools are producing. Great pensions for teachers, a place for a free meal (breakfast and lunch). Schools need to teach. Folks need to be responsible for raising educated good citizens. Look up Fredrick Douglas, I think he would have sent his childeren to a private school if he lived in todays society with our current educational system. Hey, I could be wrong?
By Andy @ 08/20/09 10:13:32 PMreport abuse
Government schools
Clark is 100% correct. Live with it.
By mark @ 08/20/09 08:45:57 PMreport abuse
Racist and Elitist
Bravo Mr. Morris, and shame on you Clark. This is EXTREMELY racist and elitist for countless reasons. Don't forget too, that this structure promotes homophobia and hate as well. Think about it...

I think we should make private and home schools illegal. These private school and charter school bastions of terrorism and propaganda just fill our kids' heads with un-American ideas.

We must level the playing field for all and not give high-achievers an advantage.

Hopefully, our government will wise up and forcefully take charge of our childrens' education and educate them in a way that our brave politicians and bankers feel is best for the good ol' USA.
By Socialist Sam @ 08/20/09 07:28:25 PMreport abuse
Soviet style, my foot
Repeating my complaint to Clark, the public school boards are the most locally elected officials in our nation, contrary to any notion of Soviet
control.
By Retired teacher @ 08/20/09 06:54:49 PMreport abuse
school vouchers
clark is wrong on this subject.

if we had a true voucher system, where you are given a voucher and you take it to any private school and ALL your tuition is paid, i would support it. but what clark is supporting, a voucher system where you get a voucher for X amount of dollars to put toward tuition at a private school, is a RACIST, ELITIST IDEA. racist because only the minorities and poor will be left in the public schools. elitist because only the wealthy and upper middle class will be able to afford private schools.

this idea has segregation written all over it, remember we tried that idea ,clark.

if this argument was really about better education for our children then wouldn't the lefty liberals be on board with this idea?

think about it CLARK, this is just another right wing, racist republican elitist way to get their white kids out of the public schools and bring back segregation.

i an not a teacher or a minority just an american who thinks, not just listens to talk radio.
By dan morris @ 08/20/09 06:53:37 PMreport abuse
the loony talk hosts dont say a peep
But the mainstream conservative biased media doesn't cover Obama on stuff like this!
By Neal Boortz @ 08/20/09 06:25:40 PMreport abuse
Government Control
I'm tired of the Obama Administration being involved in EVERYTHING.. Do they haven an OPINION on EVERYTHING? It was once said, "Love your country and fear your government." I think these are good words for today
By Eric @ 08/20/09 05:20:00 PMreport abuse

Debating Different Issues

"Principals ARE Dictators" -
I do believe that we are debating different issues. Where you pull in specifics, I merely referred to broad situations. Do I believe that principals call the shots in most situations? Yes, I do. However, I was merely reminding others that when it comes to certain mandates, expectations, and procedures that come about - it is not often directly from the principal but higher up.

With the stress of "making AYP" these days, most often the principals are forced to comply with directives that are "suggested" and "hinted at" by those from 'above.' For those principals that are genuinely interested in the staff that they've hired and the students within their school, they work to adapt these "suggestions" to suit their school's population (staff & students included). They try to find measures that will be least obtrusive to the staff while still serving the needs of the children.

I'm not a new or young teacher, and I'm certainly not administration. Though I hold degrees that qualify me to be, I've opted to remain in the classroom to avoid the 'red tape' that I am seeing has to be faced when in an administrative position. And when coming into the education arena, I entered because of an interest in children and their futures - not to be under the eye of boards that have most likely never once set foot in a classroom as an educator. Therefore, my leadership degree goes unused in that area, but instead I use it within my teaching assignment.

I hear what you are saying and understand completely - however, I think we may be addressing different issues in regards to the principal issue. I am with you on the fact that there are powers that a principal possesses and puts into play that aren't for the best interest of the staff and/or the children. I've CERTAINLY worked for that dictator before and left for the same reason.

However, though I was jaded for a good bit because of that administrator, I came to learn that they aren't all like that. And with that said, I think you and I are in the same corner - but just trying to fight different issues.

Thank you for being in education for as long as you have been. I'm not that experienced, but I am close and still love and adore my job. I just am not pleased with the direction that education is taking in respect to expectations and pressures.

Hope you are having a great start to the new school year!

By funeduc8or @ 08/22/09 11:08:08 PMreport abuse

Principals WITH Control

The comment about principals following board directives is TOTALLY INACCURATE. If the author is perplexed, the posting MUST have been made by a very young teacher, an inexperienced teacher, or a school Administrator (Principal or Assistant Principal). I urge any of you to contact GAE or PAGE (teachers will NOT talk for fear of retribution) and ask them to tell you about all the grievances and Ethics charges that have been filed over the last several years.

School Boards and School Superintendents DO NOT direct principals to:
•tell teachers what grades to give
•harass teachers
•micromanage teachers
•keep incompetent and abusive teachers
•bully the staff
•assign teachers to different grade levels and different subjects each semester
•assign teachers subjects they have never taught after many years of teaching
•assign teachers the worst behaved students in the school (YES they do that)
•totally refuse to implement discipline to students or ignore students who desperately need to be disciplined
After 25 years in a large Metro school system, I have worked for only ONE principal who had integrity and was not a bully and stood up for teachers.

Even the Georgia Professional Standards Commission will not hold Principals or unethical Teachers accountable. Case in point: we had a teacher who was BEST FRIENDS with our principal and the teacher “accidentally” showed a porno tape he had brought from home to students who were recording speeches for student council. As a result of the principal going to bat for him he was put BACK in the classroom after a county AND PSC investigation. We concluded he would had to have sex with a student before being taken out of the classroom.

The only powerful tool that the public or teachers have against principals and inept school boards is to contact the media and somehow convince them of whatever unethical, illegal, or immoral situation is going on at the time. NOTHING makes school districts correct situations faster than having their dirty laundry aired to the public.

By Principals ARE Dictators @ 08/22/09 09:07:24 AMreport abuse

Principals With Control?

By Principals ARE Dictators @ 08/22/09 09:04:39 AMreport abuse

I am a bit perplexed at the comments that I am reading advising that public school principals pretty much run their school. This is not the case, actually. School boards toss down their directives to principals, and though some may ease their staff into them better than others, it still all trickles down from 'above.' Principals have limited say in many aspects of their position, yet the variation is how and how quickly implementation of things takes place.

Don't be mislead by others that one type of school is better than another. Public, private, charter, Montessori.....they all have their pros and cons - it's up to parents to decide what works best for their child.
For me - public education was a benefit to me. I grew up in the urban downtown area of my capital. I was the minority as a white girl, but I chose my battles - and my battles paid off. You CAN actually be responsible....and for some of these that are going through school, they aren't seeing responsibility at home so why demonstrate an unfamiliar concept in school?

Take it easy on us public schools teachers. We are TRULY working hard at what we do.

By funeduc8or @ 08/21/09 10:21:44 PMreport abuse

Charter Schools - teach Chinese.

My son goes to a charter school in GA. and they are teaching him Manderin Chinese as a language in kindergarden...

The class is super diverse: 60% black,20% white, 10% asian 5% spanish, 5% Indian... The teacher emails us daily updates on the status of his class. They all wear uniforms. And the school is probably more strict than most public schools... If your kid is acting up on a regular basis - they will kick him out... So far, we are very impressed and excited.

By DougATL @ 08/21/09 09:07:44 PMreport abuse

It is the Principal of the Thing

After 25 years in a Metro Atlanta school system, I can ASSURE you the major problem with public schools is that Principals do not have to answer to ANYONE. Case in point: During pre-planning our principal told ALL teachers that they could no longer give zeroes for ANY work assignments. He told us that the lowest grade we could give was a "50", since that was also an "F". So. . . . .if students do NOTHING THEY STILL RECEIVE A 50. And guess what? His Superiors all know he did that and they turn their heads and do NOTHING.

You want to REALLY know what is wrong with our public schools today???---Principals are virtual dictators, regardless of Georgia Law, and they answer to NO ONE!!!

I would like to cordially invite ALL of you who readily criticize our public schools to try substitute teaching for ONE week. I would LOVE for Neal Boortz to try coming into our Metro schools and seeing for himself how similar Nazi Germany is to Major School Districts (Nationally, by the way)

By From One Who KNOWS @ 08/21/09 05:56:56 PMreport abuse

Hold your applause

This is just lip service from the Obama. Nothing concrete has come out of this admininstration in the last 210 days except a mssive deficit.

By J.J. @ 08/21/09 01:17:07 PMreport abuse

Hands off my Education

I don't know why the government is bothering to get involved in anything be it healthcare, education etc... It's obvious we want to be left alone. Let the sick die, let the uneducated suffer their fate. let the planet rot and so on. Why delay the inevitable. In 100 yrs we won't even be the world power we are now, it's all headed that way. Leave us alone and let us live as we wish until it all comes to the breaking point and we are ready to suffer those consequences. In case Clark hasn't mentioned it China is our banker and they will be sending us to collection soon. The U.S.A.= Made in China. Government control of your life, well let's see how we like the Chinese government vs. somebody like Obama.

By Eric @ 08/21/09 01:14:32 PMreport abuse

Only excuses for not taking responsibility

When talking about School vouchers, that is a great idea, and yes saves money!!!

I am a Hispanic born in the USA but raised in Mexico. My parents (factory workers) have always given us the best education possible with no limits (public & private) but never had cable, a nice car, video games, outside dinner or fancy outfits: Education was always first!

So when saying that only white kids can go to private schools and only the "poor" will stay at public (or crapy ones), please don't generalize (Mr Morris) because this was not my case.

With spending responsibility comes good investment. Ah, and I am doing the same for my daugther!.

By Adolfo Quintero @ 08/21/09 11:46:32 AMreport abuse

Education

I know most people could not afford to teach their kids at home but I got so tired of my three children NOT learning at school. You pay for uniforms and lots of extras. You pay for two meals and any snacks. You pay LOTS for taxes for the schools. What we had to do is not buy a new car, Cut back on TV cable. Shop at resale stores for everyday items. Learn by reading on Household repairs. Shop for things that others are planning to throw away. Most of all use COUPONS!! There are many things that you can start today like make it a special occasion to go out to eat. Go to the library and learn how to cook chinese, Mexican dishes. Check out the book The Tightwad Gazette 1,2 and 3. Read and make it a game on learning and living. You can live on less.

By Sue @ 08/21/09 11:12:40 AMreport abuse

Charter Schools "Obama Style"

If the Obama Administration does for charter schools what was done in Chicago School system we should not expect much. It would be nice to see half of what is spent in public schools given to parents willing to send a child to a school of the parents choice. This would be a savings of 50% for the government. Many poor people choose to send their childeren to private schools for an education. Not because of social issues. Why don't you stop keeping up with the Jones and provide you kids with a great education. They don't need cable T.V. or a fancy new family ride or big house.
I think Clarky cares about spending less, saving more and avoid getting ripped off. Look at what most government schools are producing. Great pensions for teachers, a place for a free meal (breakfast and lunch). Schools need to teach. Folks need to be responsible for raising educated good citizens. Look up Fredrick Douglas, I think he would have sent his childeren to a private school if he lived in todays society with our current educational system. Hey, I could be wrong?

By Andy @ 08/20/09 10:13:32 PMreport abuse

Government schools

Clark is 100% correct. Live with it.

By mark @ 08/20/09 08:45:57 PMreport abuse

Racist and Elitist

Bravo Mr. Morris, and shame on you Clark. This is EXTREMELY racist and elitist for countless reasons. Don't forget too, that this structure promotes homophobia and hate as well. Think about it...

I think we should make private and home schools illegal. These private school and charter school bastions of terrorism and propaganda just fill our kids' heads with un-American ideas.

We must level the playing field for all and not give high-achievers an advantage.

Hopefully, our government will wise up and forcefully take charge of our childrens' education and educate them in a way that our brave politicians and bankers feel is best for the good ol' USA.

By Socialist Sam @ 08/20/09 07:28:25 PMreport abuse

Soviet style, my foot

Repeating my complaint to Clark, the public school boards are the most locally elected officials in our nation, contrary to any notion of Soviet
control.

By Retired teacher @ 08/20/09 06:54:49 PMreport abuse

school vouchers

clark is wrong on this subject.

if we had a true voucher system, where you are given a voucher and you take it to any private school and ALL your tuition is paid, i would support it. but what clark is supporting, a voucher system where you get a voucher for X amount of dollars to put toward tuition at a private school, is a RACIST, ELITIST IDEA. racist because only the minorities and poor will be left in the public schools. elitist because only the wealthy and upper middle class will be able to afford private schools.

this idea has segregation written all over it, remember we tried that idea ,clark.

if this argument was really about better education for our children then wouldn't the lefty liberals be on board with this idea?

think about it CLARK, this is just another right wing, racist republican elitist way to get their white kids out of the public schools and bring back segregation.

i an not a teacher or a minority just an american who thinks, not just listens to talk radio.

By dan morris @ 08/20/09 06:53:37 PMreport abuse

the loony talk hosts dont say a peep

But the mainstream conservative biased media doesn't cover Obama on stuff like this!

By Neal Boortz @ 08/20/09 06:25:40 PMreport abuse

Government Control

I'm tired of the Obama Administration being involved in EVERYTHING.. Do they haven an OPINION on EVERYTHING? It was once said, "Love your country and fear your government." I think these are good words for today

By Eric @ 08/20/09 05:20:00 PMreport abuse

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Aug 20, 2009 -- Obama administration pushing more charter schools

What others are saying