I like this answer:
"Stimulus money being sent to schools should initially be spent on two projects: Matches can be purchased to burn all standardized tests, ending the absurd notion that these exams have anything to do with educating a child and preparing him or her for life. Leftover funds should be spent on travel expenses for great young instructors to observe and learn from outstanding public school teachers with classes that are rigorous, relevant, and joyful."
Those are the words of Disney Teaching Award winner Rafe Esquith, who is one of several people who responded to that question at Edutopia, which is run by the George Lucas Educational Foundation.
Let me offer one more example of which I approve, and a few observations, and then ask YOU something.
From Robert Reich:
"The first priority for education spending on public schools -- apart from the obvious ones of early-childhood education, better teacher pay, smaller class size, smaller schools, and better teacher accountability -- is one that's rarely talked about: making sure young people are healthy enough to learn.
It's impossible for kids to learn if their teeth hurt, they can't see well, they can't breathe easily, and they're hungry. Yet 30 percent of the young people in some of our poorest school districts have untreated dental problems, uncorrected vision problems, untreated asthma, and inadequate diets. The two -- education and health -- go together."
As I have noted in the past, the district in which I teach was the one attended by Deamonte Driver, the young boy who died from an abscessed tooth when the the infection spread into his brain. Among some of my students I see the impact of the lack of basic health care and proper nutrition on their learning. Thus Reich speaks to me, even as I know there is no chance of his - or Esquith's - ideas being funded from education funds contained in ARRA.
We have seen that Secretary Duncan wants to push charter schools upon states - despite any evidence that in general they serve their students better than do public schools. He seems to still favor mayoral control, despite a recent business-funded study of Chicago schools which is very heavily critical of the track record there which oh by the way is from the time for which he was responsible, and at a time when New York City is now moving AWAY from mayoral control.
And of course Duncan still seems to believe in more "rigor" as if raising the bar higher is in any way going to result in a more meaningful education.
I read Esquith and decided, what the heck. If he can be so blunt, perhaps people hear can join him.
So here's your invitation. Go ahead and read the words of others, some of which I am sure will infuriate you.
Then it is your turn. What would you do? Give us your answer in the comments.
I will enjoy reading responses. And will be happy to pass them on to people I know in educational policy circles, including people on the Hill.
Have at it.
Peace.