Education policy is front and center in this year’s November 4, 2014 elections. News coverage has highlighted critical issues related to school funding, teacher tenure and due process, nutrition standards, and school standards — all of which are now contested in state and federal elections. But while there has been a lot of policy activity around education in recent years, the greatest challenges await us, making this perhaps the most important time in recent history for public school parents and patrons to make our voices heard.
- The Kansas Legislature approved a new funding bill after the Kansas Supreme Court ordered an increase in school funding, but the Kansas Legislative Research Department projects a $238 million budget shortfall by July 2016. States can’t run budget deficits, so that money will have to come from somewhere, with real risks to future school funding.
- The Kansas Legislature also approved, as part of that new finance bill, restrictions on teacher tenure. This issue was hotly debated on both sides and promises to shape interactions between administrators and teachers—current and prospective—in the coming years.
- School districts are crafting new rules on snacks and developing new menus, to respond to new federal guidelines on child obesity prevention. Some members of Congress are calling for modifications to the rules, viewing them as unduly restrictive. Getting this right is critical for our children’s health.
- The debate over Common Core standards rages, even as schools have aligned instruction to fit with developing evidence about instruction and cognition. The politicization of curriculum at the state and federal levels is a concern to educators. Parents’ perspectives, and our unwavering commitment to their learning and well-being, must be part of the conversation.
Before November 4 research these issues and decide where you fall on them. Then ask policymakers where they stand. Raising the issues will bring education issues center stage. Where they need to be, for our children’s sake.
