Confront Wisconsin teacher lobby on reform

Wisconsin State Journal Editorial:

Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce is often maligned for throwing its weight around at the state Capitol.

But it was the big state teachers union (WEAC) that spent - by far - more money on lobbying last year than any other special interest group.

It helps explain why the teachers got precisely what they wanted from the Democratic-run Legislature and governor's office in the last state budget: repeal of state limits on teacher compensation.

It also shows why reforming public education - to require more accountability and innovation - won't be easy. The teachers union has resisted pay for performance, something commonplace in most professions, and frowned on innovative charter schools. State leaders will need to stand up to the union if public education is to be transformed.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at February 25, 2010 3:14 AM
Subscribe to this site via RSS/Atom: Newsletter signup | Send us your ideas