EDUCATION IS POLITICAL
One of my roles at Transforming Early Childhood Education is to design professional development workshops for early childhood educators. I spend a substantial amount of time researching. I read books, education journals, blog posts, and articles to ensure that the information provided during our training is accurate and relevant.
I am always grateful for the dedicated educators, counselors, mental health professionals, and schools who share information online. I always find so many fantastic resources to share. I love posts that make me think deeper, reflect, and question my teaching practices.
During this scrolling and reading process, I Inevitably end up in the comment sections. I am always astounded when I stumble upon comments such as "stay in your lane," "why do you have to make everything so political," or one of my absolute favorites, "Unfollowing, I come here for ideas, not for politics." These comments are often left on posts that discuss school funding, human rights, equality, teacher wages, and the list of "offending" topics goes on and on.
In the United States of America, education is 100% political. Our public schools are funded at three different levels. The Federal government does not officially fund schools. Still, they give states a certain amount of money with the criteria of how it can be used. Through sales and income taxes, each state's government gathers and distributes funding. Local governments sometimes contribute to the funding process. The people we elect make these funding decisions.
If you have a child (or know a child) that has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), the Individuals with Disabilities in Education (IDEA) Act played an essential role in the process. In 1975 IDEA (the nation's special education law) was passed. This act ensures that all children with an identified disability receive education (and related services), are prepared for independent living, and their rights and the rights of their family are protected. Governmental changes to IDEA can have detrimental effects.
These are two areas of education that are determined by our federal, state, and local governments. Please take some time to research how our educational system is affected by the US political system.
Anyone who cares about our nation's children has the right to speak out and share information that will improve their lives. As an educator, it is "in my lane" to speak about the political process and how it impacts America's education. We must take the time to learn about local, state, and federal government and their roles in our children's education. Please take the time to read, research, and ask questions after you've done all of this; please, for the sake of our children, VOTE!
