tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14707730.post129514469872997559..comments2024-02-24T19:49:45.687-05:00Comments on Schools Matter: How Opt Out Could Remain Legitimate, But Won'tJames Hornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04462754705431590571noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14707730.post-43704472607027997772016-09-16T19:57:27.015-04:002016-09-16T19:57:27.015-04:00I completely concur with your assessment of the ma...I completely concur with your assessment of the malicious agenda of "personalization" via digitalizing teaching and learning. However, I do not share your cynicism with respect to UOO. Kevin Ohlandt quotes their declarations regarding digital learning in his blog post today. <br /><br />"Since ESSA was passed, we at United Opt Out National have encouraged parents, students, and teachers to refuse indoctrination through digital learning. As we became aware of how the reformers would use ESSA to push through their new scheme we restructured our goals to include:<br /><br />"Push for protections for quality pedagogy, the teaching profession, and public school funding that the newly legislated Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) attempts to tear down via the push toward isolationist computer based digital instruction that facilitates indoctrination, free for all data mining, and compromised cognitive, physical, and social development; the alternative teacher certification programs that place unqualified people in classrooms, and the unregulated charter industry that strips public schools of resources, increases segregation, and allows for theft of public money.<br /><br /> "Instead of only opting out of high stakes standardized tests, we have promoted opting out of all digital learning and assessments. In fact, given the documented negative effects of excessive screen time on children’s healthy development, our revised opt out letters must call for no screen time or a very limited amount each day (see sample letter below). We must make it clear that no matter what legislation is passed or what new gimmicks they create; we will not be tricked into thinking that corporations have our best interest at heart." https://exceptionaldelaware.wordpress.com/2016/09/16/a-conversation-with-diane-ravitch-clarification-on-opt-out/<br /><br />The fact that UOO is working with union members does not mean that they have been co-opted in the way that union leadership has been. Millions of teachers are members of unions. They need to wake up to what the corporate reformers are subjecting them to, and resist en masse. I believe that UOO leaders planning this conference are fully aware of the dangers of competency based education, data monitoring and collection, etc., and are working passionately to empower that resistance.Sheila Ressegerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03825902968436088673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14707730.post-57163529869299712322016-09-15T18:41:23.255-04:002016-09-15T18:41:23.255-04:00Thank you for writing this! There is definitely s...Thank you for writing this! There is definitely something that is not right in all of this with people who profess to be on the side of education. Certainly is appears that it isn't about the kids at all whether you are on one side of the coin or the other. Everyone seems to have their hands in the education money pot. And as a parent, a daughter of a former public school teacher and a school board member, this really ticks me off!! These people are deplorable!angeldweinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12874028350062542530noreply@blogger.com