by Marion Dial, Corvallis
In an issue of the Bitterroot Star dated September 18, there was a full page ad with information about Jon Tester. It indicated he was a teacher. He taught music for two years and then moved on to other things. It also says he wanted to ensure every kid in Ravalli County gets a high quality public education. The problem is that he has not done diddly-squat to make that happen after all his years as a legislator. Our students are being denied the education they deserve.
There are seven school districts in Ravalli County. Each district receives a yearly report card from the Office of Public Instruction. The latest indicates from 34% to 83% of the PK-5th graders are failing in math, 42% to 63% are failing reading and 33% to 66% are failing in science. Few have mastered the core subjects at their grade levels, yet they are promoted. This is unacceptable and as students are promoted they get further and further behind. Think what that does to a child’s confidence! Got any ideas, Jon? What a travesty!
It says Jon’s efforts are supporting teachers. What a crock! Ravalli County teachers are overworked and underpaid. How about doing something about that as well?
I suggest you go back to Big Sandy and teach music.
Bill Cavanaugh says
The Department of Education is in charge of National Education and skills training.
Tester has oversight of this department as a sitting U.S. Senator. Sounds like he has the means to find out what is going on over there. People with the slightest bit of common sense know the Government sucks at everything they touch.
Trump wants to can that department and give educational oversight back to the states.
Maryann Erickson says
That’s up to your state legislature which is a super majority of republicans!
WMA says
What exactly should a federal official like Sen. Tester do to affect local and state education issues?