REFORM: Insiders aren't enlightened

I enjoyed reading the "My Turn" article by Steve Casey, "Education Reform: Are you kidding me?" I appreciated his humor and his tongue-in-cheek suggestions for dealing with some serious education issues facing Idaho and our nation. However, Mr. Casey's perspective as an "Education Establishment" insider helps explain a few things about his article.

It explains why Mr. Casey thinks Idaho law should be changed so that only a "professional educator" can serve as Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction. Aren't we always hearing "leave it to the professional educators" from this group when anyone questions what they're teaching our kids? I'm sure Mr. Casey also believes that if only Tom Luna was also an Education Insider, the education boat would not be rocking right now.

Mr. Casey's Education Establishment affiliation (which runs thicker than party affiliation) also explains his voicing the party line that the Luna Plan is "so disappointing" because the Ed-Pro's had "little or no input." To that I say, "Horsefeathers!" The fact is, the Idaho teacher union (IEA) was directly involved in legislative negotiations and development regarding an education reform package two years ago, particularly with regard to the piece on technology that is now part of the Luna Plan. Idaho's Education Establishment is well-organized, well-funded and their feigned surprise and objection to lack of input are untrue. Not getting what you want doesn't mean you had no input.

I appreciate Mr. Casey's honesty in castigating the IEA for not coming forward with alternative reform ideas. Indeed, everyone has seen the education train wreck coming for some time. Johnny can't read despite the millions thrown at education. However, Johnny IS pretty much convinced that much of what America has accomplished was at someone else's expense. Now THAT's current U.S. public education.

What Mr. Casey and the Education Establishment don't get is that "leaving it to the education professionals" is what's gotten us in this mess, with too may kids left uneducated, unmotivated, and unappreciative of the sacrifices and achievements of this great nation, not to mention the bloated cost of education (especially admin costs and benefits packages) contributing to our economic demise. Let's hope parents and taxpayers are ready to take a more active role in overseeing the education of our children. Nothing is free - especially if you leave it to somebody else to be responsible. Please vote for responsible School Board Trustees on May 17!

DUNCAN KOLER

Hayden Lake