Commenters on the AJC Get Schooled blog had a range of reactions to the signing of the Opportunity School District legislation into law and the support it earned last week in Atlanta by Michelle Rhee. Here is a sampling of reader views:
BCW: Here we go: It is all about reforming the schools. What about the communities? That is where the real reform needs to take place.
Mary: Nathan Deal has cut funds to schools and thinks he is going to get a better result by giving these funds to a private company? It is going to be another horse-and-pony show. He should work with public policies that are putting more and more of our families in poverty. It is the economically disadvantaged children who are failing in our schools. Some people are going to improve their economic status, but it is not going to be the children from Carver Homes.
Norn: If there's hope of finally rescuing children from an uncaring public bureaucracy, that hope is symbolized in Michelle Rhee.
Gov: The proverbial elephant is in the room and no one acknowledges him. The real problem is not the teachers. The elephant in the room represents the breakdown of the family, the influx of English-language learners, the increase in class sizes, the lack of resources and the unreasonable standards for each grade level. The state taking over "failing" schools is a farce. Until the real problems are addressed, there will continue to be under-performing schools. The question is, who has the courage to tell it like it is and quit blaming the teachers? I predict the teacher will continue to be the scapegoat because that is the easiest target.
Edumacate: Part of me hopes Deal's deal goes through, and they get what they wish for. Can't wait to hear their excuses … or watch them shift the blame.
Newsphile: Georgia has many intelligent people who could provide insight. That isn't happening. If you aren't one of Deal's buddies, you are excluded from commissions, committees and meetings. Almost everyone who has been invited to speak from out of state is very young. I believe we need some of our excellent experienced teachers to join the youthful idea group.
Trader: It's amazing. After the Veterans Administration, IRS, Obamacare and EPA scandals resulting from government mismanagement, the public still clamors for more government. Maybe voters are victims of a government education that didn't teach critical thinking skills.
Living: While I support the state takeover of "failing schools," Governor Deal would be wise to give Superintendent Meria Carstaphen a chance to turn around the troubled schools in APS. Give her at least a year or two to show signs that her reforms are working. Then lift the moratorium and add the schools to the takeover list, if necessary.
Jezel: So we are allowing our omnipotent governor to take over schools … and do what?
Pop: It's just too bad that present-day politically correct thinking has forced so many into an "anything but this" mode. The thinking becomes: "Can we possibly do any worse? Let's try anyone/anything but this." So, enter the clowns.
Look: Ms. Rhee is the very embodiment of arrogance run amok. She is rescuing no one; she's just trying to make a name for herself by giving the anti-public-school policy wonks some half-baked ideas. She couldn't cut it as a public school administrator, so now she wants to dismantle the system.
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