This is an opinion piece from the Asbury Park Press, here is a link to the article:
Gov. Chris Christie has declared war on the public school system and the teachers who work there.
First, he started his propaganda that the teachers were responsible for the economic crisis in the state. As absurd as this is, many people chose to believe it. Why? Because when things get complicated and scary, people want to find an easy target for all of their angst, anger and hardship.
The governor was eager to offer up the teachers as this target. He cut school aid and proclaimed that these cuts would not result in any loss of teaching jobs, nor affect the quality of education.
These claims were patently absurd, yet many believed. The laying off of teachers began immediately, and many students suffered a decline in their educational programs.
The governor declares that teachers are responsible for poor academic performance. This is also absurd.
It is not a coincidence that the majority of failing schools are in inner cities and/or economically deprived areas. If only teachers could cure all the ills of society — addiction, crumbling infrastructure, crime, poverty, families in crisis — they surely would.
Despite the research to the contrary, the governor has declared charter schools to be the answer. Beware the red herring. The vilification of teachers serves to keep the public from asking the real questions and demanding answers.
What happens to the millions in lottery sales? The economic crisis in this state was caused by the downturn in the economy and the failure of government to be good stewards. We have failed cities — look at Camden. Who will he blame for that?
We need to get past the rhetoric and start dealing with the real issues in this state. We need to demand accountability, honesty and transparency in government.
Rosemary Richards
Little Silver