Arne Duncan dismisses union call for resignation

[steve2470]

http://www.politico.com/story/2014/07/arne-duncan-dismiss-resignation-call-national-education-association-108615.html

Education Secretary Arne Duncan has brushed off a call for his resignation from the National Education Association.

The NEA adopted the resolution last week at its representative assembly in Denver, where the air was charged with anger and members buzzed with frustration at Duncan and other education reformers — especially their emphasis on high-stakes testing.

The resolution blamed Duncan for a “failed education agenda” consisting of policies that “undermine public schools and colleges, the teaching education professionals, and education unions.”

The teachers union has considered similar resolutions in previous years, but this was the first time it won approval from a majority of the 9,000 delegates attending the NEA’s annual convention.

[Starry Messenger]

1. The resolution, imo, was intended to send a message to the entire Democratic leadership.

I doubt the NEA thought Arne would simply step down.

[abelenkpe]

3. I certainly hope they get the message. nt

[HooptieWagon]

2. Teachers unions should rethink support for Turd Way Dems.

And reserve their support for Progressive Dems or Independants.

[BrotherIvan]

5. They need to get promises in writing before they vote

They really have been screwed by this administration. They early on gave support to Obama over Hillary, so the betrayal is doubly bad.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

6. Yeah I have friend who is a union steward teacher.

Obama's name can't be spoken in his house.

During the primary I had a discussion with him about my reservations re his education policies. He told me Obama came to their school and made "promises" - or so I was told (I forget what the issue was).

I like Obama. A lot. I remember standing in a gay bar election night 2008 with this friend and his partner and a bunch of my other friends - they all had tears of joy. I was happy too. But I'm way more cynical.

[BrotherIvan]

7. I think education is a third rail just as much as SS

Our nation is breaking apart from ignorance. Public education has been so undermined it has left big gaps for lying priests, preachers & pundits to sow their propaganda. A Democratic administration that furthers the privatization of public education and the busting of unions can't really call itself Democratic.

[dsc]

8. they were complete morons for having done so

Whatever else you say about Obama and what he promised during the primaries, he was crystal clear on what he thought about education and Duncan is implementing his policies.

[G_j]

4. he is a disgrace, and this is just a continuation of Bush's

anti-teacher, anti-student policies.

[Enthusiast]

9. Arne Duncan must resign.

In the interest of improving education and for the good of the nation.

Hit the road, Arne!

[Chan790]

10. It's too bad. Education would be immediately improved...

between Duncan's resignation and Bill Gates being told that as far as education policy is concerned the policy on his involvement is "No." He can keep his foundation's money, just keep out of the field of education. Thankfully, it seems that both the charter school movement and the educational-Grendel Michelle Rhee's career are fast approaching their demise as well.

They (Duncan, Rhee, Gates, prominent charter school advocates) made this movie several years ago, called Waiting for Superman about "educational reform." I don't think it ever occurred to them that they were Lex Luthor and the Injustice League.

[madfloridian]

11. Said he didn't get involved in "local union politics".

The NEA is not local, it is national. He insults unions by his very ignorance.

[WinkyDink]

12. The contempt is disgusting.

[Rex]

13. Not even the NEA can stop that arrogant moran from destroying public schools.

He is a huge failure as education secretary.