The first 6:30 of this video from the May 23 debate deal with school choice and other Denver Public Schools issues.
Popularity: 18% [?]
The first 6:30 of this video from the May 23 debate deal with school choice and other Denver Public Schools issues.
Popularity: 18% [?]
Anyone else feel like me?
See, I have a hard time voting for a political leader and role model for kids who believes science is just somebody’s opinion. I understand perfectly well that a mayor is not in charge of science education but s/he IS a role model. Mayors do have to deliberate complex matters, some of which require some modicum of scientific thinking. I think Hancock is a well-meaning politician, I just don’t think he has the vision for education or the city at large to be mayor. And, Sen. Johnston thinks Hancock IS all that.
Frankly, if Sen. Johnston is behind a candidate, I will be even more likely to look at another. SB 191 was so deeply flawed, it will take some considerable expense of human resources and finances just to deal with its simplistic wording. I know–it was supposed to invite constructive input but really, DPS with its considerable talent (not being snarky) for this kind of work, is having a devil of a time figuring out how to interpret the bill’s lazy logic.
Hancock wants to streamline the ability for “businesses and nonprofits to become directly involved in education.” We don’t need any more cooks in the kitchen. All that does is capitulate the need for more funding to dependence on non-accountable entities. That is just nonsense but…all kinds of non-profits or rather, their wealthy sponsors, are key campaign donors. It is about time we all acknowledge that elephant. Just look at the influence the Challenge Day non-profit has in DPS without meaningful scientific results, accountability or oversight. And they are just the tip of the iceberg.
And as for some kind of “Compact.” Well, it certainly sounds like a plan, but it’s less filling than say, an actual plan. No mayor can “require” (see his campaign website) higher ed partners with public education or anyone. Metro State and UCD and UNC already have many partnerships with area districts and these go back many years. There is nothing new here but Hancock wants to make it seem like he is the one to bring different interests to the education table. And even that I would let slide IF he had some kind of vision or plan as to what to do with all those folks at his mayoral table. But there isn’t one I can see.