The Influence of Politics on Teachers and Learners in the Democratic Era
As a teacher and parent, I have witnessed the significant impact of politics on education. In the democratic era, political policies and practices continue to shape the education system in substantial ways that affect both teachers and learners. This article explores such influences and highlights the challenges teachers and parents face.
Political Practices and Their Impact on Teachers
When I attended college to become a teacher, we were taught that one reason teachers can obtain tenure within two years is because the government runs the schools. Historically, when new presidents took office, they would often fire teachers and appoint individuals aligned with their political views. For instance, a teacher who was a Democrat might be fired during a Republican presidency due to political affiliations. Conversely, if a Democratic president was elected, he would likely replace Republican teachers with officials from his own party. This practice ensured job security for teachers but has since evolved.
Now, teachers can typically retain their positions even after two years, provided they are competent. However, the risk of dismissal due to political reasons is significantly lower. Unfortunately, this creates situations where poorly performing teachers may remain in the system, which is a concern for both quality education and teacher morale.
Teacher Unions: A Double-Edged Sword
Teacher unions, although intended to support teachers, often fall short in providing meaningful assistance. These organizations often require members to pay dues, yet fail to deliver when faced with critical issues.
During a particularly challenging situation, I faced a student with severe epilepsy who was placed in my special needs classroom. The student's academic level was significantly lower than the others in my class, and his mother wanted him to stay with his brother, who had a similar label. I informed my immediate boss and the principal that the epileptic student should not be in my classroom due to academic and safety concerns. Despite these concerns, I received no support from my superiors or the union.
When I raised the issue with the superintendent, they refused to intervene. The union responded with a disappointing, "Sorry we can't help you." This situation highlights the limited utility of many teacher unions and raises questions about their effectiveness in supporting teachers.
Political Programs and Their Impact on Education
Political programs such as the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and Race to the Top (RTTT) have significantly influenced the education system, often at the expense of quality education.
No Child Left Behind aimed to ensure educational equity, particularly for special education students. However, its implementation often resulted in educators dumbing down the curriculum to ensure all students succeeded according to standardized tests. In my experience, an entire year of first-grade reading material was used to address the needs of three students who could not read, while the spelling curriculum was scrapped to avoid failure. This approach undermines the real learning and academic support these students require.
Race to the Top, another initiative aimed at improving education, often prioritizes quick results over thorough and comprehensive learning. This can lead to a rushed and superficial understanding of subjects, setting students up for failure in future applications. Teachers are under constant pressure to meet these unrealistic goals, often at the expense of a solid educational foundation.
Conclusion
In the democratic era, politics continues to play a significant role in education. While political practices and programs can have positive intentions, they sometimes lead to unintended negative outcomes. Teachers and parents must navigate these complexities to ensure that the education system truly serves the needs of all learners.