Open letter from Patrick Kearney of the Johnston Community School District goes viral/national (Clinton: appointed, 2015)

[thenewtexan]

She's never been in a public school in her life. She doesn't even believe in evolution. She married a billionaire, though. Good for her.

[capitalcityguy]

"She's never been in public school..."

Engineers that have never been in space, built the space program. Doctors that have never had cancer, successfully treat cancer patients, financial planners that are decades away from retiring themselves help retirees successfully save and navigate their finances during retirement years....etc. etc. etc.

I'm not saying she isn't open to being questioned on some things, but this line of reasoning always leaves me scratching my head.

[duster1979]

Originally Posted by thenewtexan

She's never been in a public school in her life.

Which means that she's less likely to be bound to the constructs of our failing public school system. I consider that a positive.

[thenewtexan]

Originally Posted by capitalcityguy

"She's never been in public school..."

Engineers that have never been in space, built the space program. Doctors that have never had cancer, successfully treat cancer patients, financial planners that are decades away from retiring themselves help retirees successfully save and navigate their finances during retirement years....etc. etc. etc.

I'm not saying she isn't open to being questioned on some things, but this line of reasoning always leaves me scratching my head.

This is not a good analogy. The professionals you mention spend years studying the subject matter and have actual experience in their field. Would you choose a doctor with absolutely no medical expertise? Would you put your money in the hands of someone who can't tell the difference between a 401k and an IRA?

[thenewtexan]

Originally Posted by duster1979

Which means that she's less likely to be bound to the constructs of our failing public school system. I consider that a positive.

You consider someone who doesn't believe in science a positive for education?

[duster1979]

Originally Posted by thenewtexan

You consider someone who doesn't believe in science a positive for education?

I didn't say that. But feel free to post a few verified quotes from Mrs. DeVos on the subject of evolution and I'll be happy to comment.

And before you waste your time - there aren't any out there. You have no idea what she believes on the subject, you've just decided to adhere to the supposition that she doesn't believe in it generated by those who would find something to dislike about any Trump cabinet pick.

[capitalcityguy]

Originally Posted by thenewtexan

This is not a good analogy. The professionals you mention spend years studying the subject matter and have actual experience in their field. Would you choose a doctor with absolutely no medical expertise? Would you put your money in the hands of someone who can't tell the difference between a 401k and an IRA?

But you didn't say anything about knowledge. How do you know she doesn't possess the needed knowledge and life experience? You declared she had to have been a part of the failed system or have sent her kids to the failed system in order to know how to fix it . My point is that being a part of it doesn't guarantee anything and I have several examples. No analogy is perfect, but that is why I believe mine is valid.

[atler8]

Originally Posted by capitalcityguy

"She's never been in public school..."

Engineers that have never been in space, built the space program. Doctors that have never had cancer, successfully treat cancer patients, financial planners that are decades away from retiring themselves help retirees successfully save and navigate their finances during retirement years....etc. etc. etc.

I'm not saying she isn't open to being questioned on some things, but this line of reasoning always leaves me scratching my head.

In all seriousness & not trying to be rude, your response does not say anything. It is a circular type of reasoning that goes nowhere & is more of a diversionary tactic type of reply that is similar to what I've heard used a lot over the talk radio air waves.
All of the examples you gave, such as doctors or financial planners, are of career paths that require extensive education & training for the individual to be licensed & to hopefully to be successful in the field.
Ms. Devos has no public school experience, either by herself or by her children. Furthermore, she is ANTI-PUBLIC SCHOOL in her thinking and actions and as I have already stated, she is purely an ideological choice who does not seek to improve public education. That, my friend, is the bottom line here. Does she or doesn't she bring expertise, experience & positive thinking to the table as a prospective Secretary of Education official to improve public school education? If she doesn't, well then what's the point of appointing her?
Furthermore, applying what we already know of her track record on educational issues in her home state of Michigan, of her lobbying there & on a national basis, and applying all of that locally, how would she be of any benefit to public education in Iowa? Shouldn't we hope for the best & brightest to lead us in government? Think about it, please.
You are a bright person so I'll borrow from your post & say that it is your response that "'..leaves me scratching my head."

[atler8]

Originally Posted by duster1979

Which means that she's less likely to be bound to the constructs of our failing public school system. I consider that a positive.

It is a given mantra or article of faith among some factions of the right wing that public education is failing everywhere.
I wonder if you believe that your own local district is failing in it's mission & thus failing it's students or are you projecting that the failure is elsewhere?
If it is, what are the "constructs" that are causing this and what are the alternatives that are viable? What do you know of Ms. Devos that would lead you to believe that she could bring anything forward that would be of benefit to your own local school district?

[capitalcityguy]

Atler, my father was in teaching his entire life until he retired as a middle school principal. Both my brothers are in the teaching profession (and one of them has a daughter that is in her 3rd year of teaching) now both have progressed to being principals themselves. My MIL is a retired teacher. My ex-wife was a teacher. All public schools.

My 10 yr old in is public school now.

I'm very close to the profession.

It is not rocket science and what we've been doing hasn't been working well for ALL students.

Most importantly the entrenched that have got us where we are today, seem to think they know how to do it best (despite mixed-to-poor results in many instances).

They had their chance. They failed.