Republicans have been in control of the House, Senate, and White House for 6 years, and have failed to use their majority status to make education a priority. Here is where our country stands today on the education, as well as the Spivack Plan of Action:
Current Situation:
No Child Left Behind Act is a failure because it was never fully funded. It fails to recognize the differences among students, and it does not incorporate the true role of teachers in the classrooms
Students are measured by tests, rather than by their progress, initiative, or creativity
Unrealistic expectations are placed upon special needs students
Teachers are not consulted on issues affecting them
There are too many administrators and not enough teachers
Spivack Plan of Action:
Pass comprehensive education legislation based on the “first responders in education” – the teachers
Prepare an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for students to gauge their respective progress
Empower teachers to create their own curriculum and how their school operates
Reduce bureaucratic regulations which hamper teachers
Replicate programs that are effective and that show real measured progress
Create additional after-school and summer camp/programs to engage young people when school is not in session
