OBSTACLES TO REFORM

Who or what stands in the way of meaningful public education reform? And why?

Uninvolved parents. Parents are in a position to know their child’s unique needs and gifts better than anyone else on the planet, and they should be the strongest and best advocate for meeting those needs and developing those gifts to the fullest. Sometimes parents are struggling to do so and can’t, for many reasons. But sometimes parents just aren’t involved and don’t take the time to pursue what’s best; nor do they encourage their children to do so.

Bad laws. Some laws prohibit meaningful education reform and innovation. For example, several states prohibit the creation of charter schools, even though these schools are working well for thousands of students around the country. Other states have laws that prevent any public dollars from being used in programs or schools that have religious elements, resulting in students being denied special education assistance at the private schools they attend. Laws with harmful effects should be repealed.

Unaccountable school employee unions. While union officials often claim everything they do is “for the children,” their primary function is to serve the adults they represent. This isn’t wrong, but it can become harmful when the interests of adults and students seem at odds. For example, it is best for students if teachers are accountable for excellent results in the classroom, but this means poor-performing teachers may lose their jobs. Too often, union officials fight to protect these jobs at any cost. And too often, that cost is student achievement. Additionally, many public employee unions are not even accountable to their members. Teachers in many states must pay dues as a condition of employment, even if they don't agree with things the union does. Teachers (and their students) would be better served by voluntary and accountable professional representation.

Burdensome regulations. The small-print rules and regulations governing public schools in many states fill hundreds, if not thousands, of pages. These rules often stifle the most necessary elements of good education: creativity, innovation, and meaningful authority and accountability. Sometimes regulations are the result of special interests trying to protect their "turf," as in the case of limits on charter school enrollment or school vouchers.

Weak leadership. Pursuing meaningful education reform is hard work. Sometimes it means conflict with people who oppose reform, like special interest groups who feel they have something to lose by it. Leaders in education or government who are unwilling to face these conflicts are, themselves, an obstacle to necessary reform.