LITTLE ROCK, AR — The president of the National Education Association has a strong opinion about the state’s takeover of Little Rock schools. Lily Eskelsen Garcia spent the day with students and teachers.
The Arkansas Department of Education deemed six schools in the Little Rock district in academic distress and took control of the district last week. But according to Garcia, NEA research shows takeovers aren’t very successful.
She said, “When you come in with the answers and silver bullet and magic wand and say ‘just do this’, it never works.”
Garcia says it would be better — if the school community — those that know the district best — came up with a plan to improve their facilities.
The Arkansas Department of Education deemed six schools in the Little Rock district in academic distress and took control of the district last week. But according to Garcia, NEA research shows takeovers aren’t very successful.
She said, “When you come in with the answers and silver bullet and magic wand and say ‘just do this’, it never works.”
Garcia says it would be better — if the school community — those that know the district best — came up with a plan to improve their facilities.
Garcia, the highest ranking Latina education and labor leader in the country, visited Forest Heights STEM Academy School and Hall High School. Monday evening she gave a speech, “The Civil Rights of the Whole Child for a Whole Education”, at the Clinton School of Public Service.