In Jeff Steinfeld's letter, published December 1, he argues that the unions representing public school teachers hurt innovation in schools and produce poor educational outcomes. Two of Mr. Steinfeld's key claims are misguided and disingenuous, and I'd like to set the record straight today.
First, Mr. Steinfeld argues that non-union schools like the Harlem Children's Zone (prominently featured in the documentary "Waiting for Superman") perform much better than unionized public schools. This may be true, but the expense of running such a school is far greater than that of the average public school. According to the New York Times ("Lauded Harlem Schools Have Their Own Problems," Sharon Otterman, Oct. 12, 2010), the expense of running this institution is $15,925 per pupil, an amount that does not include the cost of extensive after-school programs and other expenses, such as the chef who prepares meals. This is far higher than the national average spending per pupil: $10,441 in 2007-2008, the last year available from the National Center for Education Statistics. Comparisons between special schools like the Harlem Children's Zone and average public schools is misguided.
Second, Mr. Steinfeld claims that our state and federal governments are dedicated to improving education, while unions are dedicated to protecting members' interest at the expense of students. Recent political events do not support this contention. States around the country are cutting education funding and restricting the ability of school districts to raise additional revenue. In our most recent state budget approved by governor Scott Walker, school budgets have been slashed; to his credit, he has not justified this act by suggesting it will improve education. No one on either side of the aisle believes less money will help students. As for unions not supporting students, the legislative agenda of WEAC for 2011-2012 focuses on, among other things, improving school funding and closing achievement gaps.
Mr. Steinfeld is wise in his recognition that education can improve. But blaming teachers' unions for state budget shortfalls is akin to blaming teachers for the recession. Unions are an easy target when times get tough, but their power is already severely curtailed. Prior the most recent restrictions to union bargaining power, Wisconsin's teachers had already surrendered their right to strike, and school districts' abilities to raise teacher salaries was capped by legislation signed by former Wisconsin governor Tommy Thompson. Under Mr. Steinfeld's logic, these restrictions to unions should improve education in Wisconsin. Time will tell if he is correct, but evidence suggests that bullying unions helps no child to succeed.
Michael Braun is a Ph.D student in the Department of Communication Arts at UW-Madison. Please send all feedback to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
