Uh, Gov, It's Their Rules

I admire and applaud spunk. But when North Carolina stands to gain or lose several million federal dollars earmarked for education, I think it’s smarter to hunker down and start applying. Not challenge the rules.

This money could indeed help our school children. If it's properly applied. The application process was established weeks ago. I alluded to it during my unsuccessful attempt to be appointed to the Wake County School Board. I reiterated how important it would be, (and look to Washington), if they would show truly show a bi-partisan effort in get our educational house in order.

I rediscovered then, what many of us know now. Which is that few people in education in North Carolina really seem to want a change. The same tableful of experts, educators, ‘leaders’ and others who have continually failed children (both po' and poor) have gathered with Governor Beverly Perdue solely to get their personal piece of the pie.

After all, they too have bills to pay.

So rather than follow the rules set by Washington, the Governor and her 'education specialists' are arguing with US Secretary Arne Duncan and President Barack Obama over the rules. One rule is that a state must lift any cap on charter schools.

Why lift the cap? Because some children need a different approach in learning. And while some take the existence of a charter school as a personal failure, the reality is that children keep failing because we keep applying the same old formula. Year after year after year. No one wants to give up control.

But one thing is clear: taxpayers and families alike are tired of failure. A few years ago NC was branded as having the highest number of PhDs in the country. How we wound up with seemingly unintelligent children is anyone's guess. Frankly I think the kids in North Carolina are way smarter than the adults.

Duncan and Obama’s plan (which includes other changes that will drive the NC Association of Educators mad), is untested. But the traditional methods, tested ad nauseum, continue with the same results. High dropout rates and failure.

So what should the Governor do with her newly surrounded “Race to the Top” gang?

At 'the end of the day' (4 pm), toss out the gang, the bottled water and Diet Cokes. Walk over to the mansion and hold a reception for those "low wealth parents" who she regularly opined during her campaign. And seek fresh insight.

Away from the cameras, ask these parents what the State of North Carolina can do to assist them in helping their child(ren) to be successful in school. Care enough to listen, with an open mind. Without interruption.

Because North Carolina's entire future rests on the truth. Not more failed politicians and policies.