Billionaire reformer says public school students entitled to "skills" to be productive workers.

[madfloridian]

I always thought education was about far more than that. This is a Chicago parent speaking at a Chicago Teachers' Union rally in May. Matt Farmer quotes Penny Pritzker on her goals for Chicago public school students. He compares the elite Chicago lab school where political leaders send their own children to the public schools these same leaders are trying to "reform".

Recent reports indicate that Pritzer may be Obama's Obama's new Commerce Secretary

[theaocp]

1. Thanks, Mad'

I always go back to the "pep" speech our CAO gave at my charter school. To paraphrase, "The thing I love about charter schools is this: we can hire and fire whomever we like whenever we feel like it." Imagine going to work in a place like that and keeping your enthusiasm high. Oh, and if our standardized tests (NWEA NATIONAL test, mind you) didn't show improvement from fall to spring, you were likely gone. Many of my colleagues did next to no teaching up to the fall test to make sure the kids would have the best chance to show improvement in the spring. It's all about the incentives.

One last thing: I was dinged on my evaluations because of an attendance issue. Are you fucking kidding me? I was literally first-in, last-out, coached, and came in on the weekends. I had sick days left over. Guess I didn't kiss enough ass, but my class made progress and were well-mannered. Keep working on the bullshit, reformers. You are responsible for the crippling of our youth.

[madfloridian]

3. I can go one better...

Right after Jeb the reformer took office as governor...I and many others were marked down for "not respecting authority". Why? Because we actually asked questions in faculty meeting about policy.

And once I was told by the principal NOT to be critical of Jeb Bush at the teachers' lunch table anymore.

They are taking over by power, literally.

[Smarmie Doofus]

2. Couldn't help but notice Weingarten's empty seat.

Was she "in the ladies' - shall we say - LOUNGE"?

Or had she "dropped her petals and folded her tent" entirely?

5 extra points if you can identify the quotes.

[madfloridian]

4. Aha, I missed that.

Thanks for pointing it out.

[MrScorpio]

5. Be good little wage slaves now nt

[madfloridian]

7. Education for the elite, and education for the masses.

They are so blatant about their intent.

[limpyhobbler]

6. This is great. I hope everybody gets a chance to watch this.

[madfloridian]

10. He is a great parent advocate.

And has a very good twitter feed.

https://twitter.com/mifarmer

[alp227]

8. What is Jesse Jackson doing there?

[madfloridian]

9. He supported the teachers' strike there.

[madfloridian]

11. Real education for the elite, job training for public school students.

That's Pritzer's philosophy.

She may be Secretary of Commerce?

[LWolf]

12. Matt Farmer...

my eyes got a little wet.

Penny Pritzer as Commerce Secretary? I hope not.

[madfloridian]

16. He's great, isn't he?

Not afraid to speak clearly. It's a relief from all the politicians of both parties who are parroting the talking points of the "reformers"....like we can't tolerate "the status quo" or students "limited by zip code".

I am tired of mealy mouthed politicians whose ed reform donors dictate their speech and support.

[LWolf]

17. I shared this with my teaching partner on Friday.

It's going to be making the rounds. We're all tired of being dictated to by corporate "reformers."

[madfloridian]

18. Here's something from another fed up teacher. Funny, but sort of sad. Rheeformer stuff.

https://twitter.com/ATeacherAnon/status/298098098230669312

Just a few samples:

in honor of michelle rhee and her soon to be released memoir. the 3rd edition of michelle rhee - a glossarhee

-->
Rheeality: an existence devoid of facts
Rheeally: used to express surprise, interest or doubt as in “RUFKM?” Serheeously!
Rheeap: to obtain employment, wealth or stature through the efforts and/or contributions of sugar daddy billionaires
Rheecall: to cancel, take back, or revoke – sort of – a lie one has told
Rheecipient: an individual receiving kudos or monetary prizes based on false data
Rheecommendation: a suggestion made by a highly unqualified person
Rheedact: to delete factual information from written or oral communication because said information does not support the rheetoric
Rheeduce: to diminish the status of professional public educators
Rheedundant: to rheepeat talking points endlessly in order to avoid questions whose answers would not support a particular rheeality

There's more at the link.

[mbperrin]

14. Says it well, with conviction, and with their own

words.

Nice job.

[02potato]

15. damn..he said the words ..

THINK CRITICALLY

[hay rick]

19. Public school kids get job training.

For McJobs.

Great video. K&R.

[madfloridian]

20. In depth learning reserved now for more elite schools.

Two tiered education.

[proud2BlibKansan]

21. Matt Farmer for Commerce Secretary!!