LETTER: Referred Law 16 would work against education

Talk about it

To the Editor:

Referred Law 16 says it facilitates quality education. It definitely does not.

South Dakota’s teachers, the lowest paid in the country, are turning out kids that score eighth in the US. We can’t allow RL 16 to mess with a value like that.

What does Referred Law 16 actually say? It says, “I want to be able to fire anyone at any time without giving any reason or recourse.” It says, “Allowing teachers due process is not necessary in today’s world.” It says, “I don’t care if many districts have tried and abandoned merit pay because it didn’t work. It didn’t improve instruction, and it created animosity and discord, but I like the idea anyway.” RL16 says, “I like one-size-fits-everybody testing, because individual differences and needs aren’t important. Just give me facts.”

My many years as a teacher and an administrator say, “Referred Law 16 deserves a huge NO vote.” If we actually want to improve South Dakota education, we should limit class sizes in the lower grades, value the teachers who are our children’s best chance for success, and provide the funding and resources they need.”

Tags: election 2012, opinion, updates, letters, education, state