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“Democrats For Education Reform” Gather in St. Louis | Missouri Political News Service

“Democrats For Education Reform” Gather in St. Louis

April 20th, 2009 by mopns · 5 Comments

(from l-r) Charles Williams, Boogie D, Joe Williams, Kevin Chavous, Horace Sheffield, Dr. Ben Chavis, State Rep. T.D. El-Amin, Rodney Hubbard, Earl Simms, Ray Cummings, Aaron North, and Demetrious Johnson.

From suiteSTL:

The Democrats For Education Reform gathered in St. Louis on Saturday at Harris-Stowe State University for a Town Hall Meeting with HOT 104.1. Demetrious Johnson and Rodney Hubbard moderated the event which brought together educators, national community activist, educators and parents. Charter schools and providing kids with the choice of education became the focus of audience members and panelist. Read more…

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Tags: Picture/Quote of the Day · St. Louis

5 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Alright, Who Left the Door Open and Let the Monday In? « Countenance Blog // Apr 20, 2009 at 3:35 pm

    […] MOPNS:  “Democrats For Education Reform” Gather in St. Louis […]

  • 2 FALSE FORUM /FALSE CHOICE // Apr 20, 2009 at 5:38 pm

    Where were the women on this discussion of public education? Where are our voices? Why weren’t they included? Mary Armstrong was listed in the Press Release as a panel member but according to her spokespeople she wanted nothing to do with this false forum.

    Also shouldn’t we resist the urge to embrace the idea of “Choice” without examining what the choice is and who is offering us the choice.

    This charter school group here is primarily funded by conservative, white males who have always been at odds with promoting positive issues for African American people and children. Just because the front people are Black does not relieve us of our responsibility to look at them and this issue closely.

    We do not have the right to examine Charter Schools the way that we can public schools–they take our money but we can’t see what they are doing with it.

    It is like the bail out of Banks—they want public money but they don’t want us meddling in how they spend our money—this is fundamentally wrong.

    Fact is Confluence has not tested better than public schools so why are we reducing the money spent on parents and children who choose the public schools?

    Charters in St Louis are a failed experiment. An expensive failed experiment. Don’t our children deserve grown ups who demand fiscal responsibility and who are pro public school advocates?

    The people who put together this event— these “charter advocates” are just that—-advocates for the business of charter schools—

  • 3 Jackson // Apr 20, 2009 at 9:41 pm

    I’ve read many things Mary Armstrong has said and I cant’ believe they still invited her to speak. She is an embarassment to professional educators everywhere. She is about protecting the system, not the kids. She should never have been invited to anything except to leave.

  • 4 Middle American // Apr 21, 2009 at 9:55 am

    “Where were the women on this discussion of public education? Where are our voices? Why weren’t they included? Mary Armstrong was listed in the Press Release as a panel member but according to her spokespeople she wanted nothing to do with this false forum.”

    The worst thing about anti reform advocates is that they cannot even be honest in debate. In the above paragraph the commentor complains that no women were included and then states that Mary Armstong refused to participate.

  • 5 Ed Reformer // Apr 21, 2009 at 10:26 am

    False:

    I agree with Middle American on lack of honest debate.

    A) Charter schools ARE public schools

    B) Confluence Rankings From 2008 MAP Scores:

    Top 10 in 4th Grade Communications out of over 50 SLPS and charter schools.

    Ranks 3rd in 7th grade math out of 30 SLPS and charter schools.

    Ranks 6th in 8th grade Communications out od 30 SLPS and charter schools.

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