In typical Conservative hypocrisy,
Robert Herbold, former COO of Microsoft and a current member of the
President's Council of Advisor on Science and Technology,
blasted teacher unions and anti-voucher advocates for the poor performance of US students when it comes to Math and Science.
In a speech given to an audience at the libertarian Hillsdale College, Mr. Herbold blamed the teaching community for failing to qualify enough teachers to teach math and science and not implementing a strong science and math curricula. However, he failed to mention the unrentless attacks by Christian fundamentalist on science and math that has prevented teachers from even teaching these subjects. Also, he failed to mention the administration that he works for failings.
Overall, Mr. Herbold focused on how the typical US 12th grader was in the 10th percentile when it came to Science achievement, (10% of the world was worse, 90% was better) while that same student was in the 24th percentile when it came to Math Achievement. This Mr. Herbold concluded would lead to the United States losing it's position in the world in Science and Technology. Well, I would agree. If we have
sciencifically illiterate students we will not have scientists. Does not take a <<pardon the pun>> a rocket scientist to figure that one out.
I will even say that Herbold has a point that the Teachers' Unions have been a road block to some changes. However, until we get religious groups to stop blocking a simple discussion over GENERALLY ACCEPTED SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLES then I don't want to hear it. First we need to allow teachers an opportunity to teach, if they can't teach it effectively, I will be the first one to show the teacher the door. Until we get to that point, our biggest concerns should be those that would block such teaching to begin with.
I also find it shamefully for anyone tied to this administration to be critical of teachers teaching science and math when the President offers to cut education programs and the National Science Foundation. These cuts alone will cut funding to thousands of students directly and who knows how many indirectly. The damage done could take years to repair. Mr. Herbold should be asking Mr. Bush "Put your money where your mouth is."
It is time to either put up or shut up for these conservatives. They say the economic future of our country is at risk, because we fail to teach our children science and math. Well then stop supporting and defending those that would stop that teaching. Isn't it Republicans that say the marketplace will set things straight, well then stop funding those that stop your economic concerns even if it does cost you some votes.