The Wall Street Journal recently reported an astonishing event in the state of Washington. Due to stubborn teacher union officials, the state will lose a six-year $13.2 million grant from the National Math and Science Initiative and many Advanced Placement (AP) teachers lose the option of making more money.
The National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI), funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, and Exxon, seeks to increase student performance in math and science and thereby increase U.S. global competitiveness. The $13.2 million grant would have provided teacher training and financial incentives to increase the quality and participation in math and science AP and pre-AP courses at seven high schools.
The NMSI is bringing the model of Texas-based AP Strategies to other states in hopes of increasing student achievement in math and science nationwide. Even though Washington refused the money, six other states accepted it including Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Kentucky, Massachusetts and Virginia.
Why would the state refuse free money? According to the Seattle Times, the issue was over collective bargaining rights. The Washington Education Association, the teacher’s union, is the exclusive agent for negotiating teacher compensation and they don’t want anyone else handling teacher pay even if it that means their own teacher members lose out.
While Washington is turning away free money, other states are not shy in asking for it. A recent Kalamazoo Gazette editorial requested that NMSI invest in southwestern Michigan.
What is the purpose of Washington’s teachers union? To help teachers or protect their power? It seems they have either lost their way or are merely showing their true colors.
– Brooke Terry