Listen first: Lawmakers meet to preview issues that are facing schools

Some members of the incoming Republican majority in the N.C. General Assembly met today to talk about education.

The idea is to get a handle on the issues that are facing schools and what the state can do to help.

Well, that is what it is in theory.

Truth is, it is likely the same old gathering of legislators who know what they think the problems are and not really what goes on in today's classrooms.

And that problem is not limited to state government either. There are plenty of local politicians who get their information from political doctrine instead of real-life experience.

So, for fun, let's suggest something as a goal for the newly dawned new year -- a resolution of sorts.

How about listening, really listening, to those who are in the trenches every day. Ask the teachers, principals and other personnel what they see, what they encounter and what they need.

And, what the heck, why not actually visit a couple classrooms and spend a little time there.

Improving schools is no easy task. But if we have a hope of getting it done, we need to deal in truth, not politics.

Let's hope that is on the legislature's and local government's to-do lists.

Published in Editorials on January 8, 2015 11:08 AM