Amendment 3 a threat to public education
Editor, the Tribune: I have spent more than 40 years in public education and find Amendment 3 to be one of the greatest threats to public education that I have experienced during my long career. Its many provisions take away much local control that has been so important in our society. By using a single standardized test to weigh heavily in the retention, demotion, promotion and pay of teachers, our teachers will be forced to “teach to the test.” The standardized test must be developed by local districts at district expense, approved by Jefferson City and must examine standards developed by Jefferson City. The development of these standardized tests by school districts across the state is estimated to cost $1 billion at a time when school districts are underfunded. None of us wants our children to simply be a test-score number.
Amendment 3 contains additional provisions that are bad for our schools, students and teachers. Remember, it is an amendment and not a law. If passed, it will be very difficult to change. I urge you to vote “no” on Amendment 3 on Nov. 4.
Jim Ritter, retired superintendent
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