REFORM: Just say no to status quo

The status quo is failing. Idaho education needs change, and Idahoans need the facts before they vote on whether to reject the idea of change.

As we move toward November, the arguments over propositions 1, 2 and 3 are going to heat up. You have probably already heard ads talking about replacing teachers with laptops and unfunded mandates. Don’t believe the hype. But believe this: pumping more money into a system that is failing us is not the answer our children, teachers and families need. We need innovation and choice. This does not mean taking teachers out of the classroom as some falsely claim. It means that Idaho parents need options and teachers need every learning aid they can effectively utilize. If we are dedicated to improving education in Idaho, we will give them those choices and those teaching tools.

Improving education is about more than test scores. It is about informed and innovative Idahoans who are capable of building tomorrow’s Idaho. That is who our teachers try to create each and every day in classrooms across the state. Leaders cannot hope to create jobs or economic strength without a solid education system.

Accusations that reform efforts like those made by Tom Luna are anti-education or anti-teacher are false and representative of a fear of change. However, the world is changing. How we disseminate knowledge and information is changing. Great educators know this, and establishing Idaho as an economic force for the next century will require dedication to great education at the individual, community and state levels.

Please take the time to educate yourself on the facts of this crucially important debate. You can get a good start here: http://studentscomefirst.org/.

LUKE MALEK

Coeur d’Alene