Tri-City teachers and schools across Washington state need support, not suspicion

The attention on schools the past year has exploded in a way we’ve not seen before in Tri-Cities, statewide and across the country,

But sadly, instead of providing constructive and supportive energy to our teachers, much of the talk has focused on politically-tinted issues that wear down educators and divide communities.

Two Tri-City Herald stories published online on the same day were a sharp example of how this is affecting our school systems.

One article explored concerns over how COVID decimated Tri-City test scores and how school districts were working to recover from that.

The other was about proposed legislation by Sen. Jim McCune, R-Graham, that he’s calling a “Parent’s Education Bill of Rights.”

It’s a packet of bills addressing a variety of hot topics like critical race theory and sex education, and its intent is to recognize “the ultimate authority of parents to determine what is best for their children’s education.”

If we had to bet, we’d say McCune’s efforts will attract widespread, passionate support.

And the efforts by teachers to overcome lagging test scores?

Not so much.

And that’s a shame because what educators need more than anything is encouragement from their communities — not suspicion.

McCune said in his news release that “the best way to address division and controversy and reduce the level of tension and animosity is not to force a one-size-fits-all solution on every student and parent.

“This packet of legislation requires that parents make the call, and ensures they have access to all curriculum materials and resources necessary to see what their children are being taught.”

But here’s the thing — parents have always had the right to look at curriculum materials. All they have to do is ask.

Parents also always have been able to opt their children out of the sex education programs.

So what is driving this narrative that school officials and teachers must be watched closely to make sure they aren’t steering students along some treacherous path?

Where is the evidence in the Tri-Cities that this is a real problem?

If parents want to know what is going on at their child’s school, there are several ways to get connected.

Schools are typically desperate for parent volunteers — in all kinds of capacities.

PTOs and PTAs and high school booster clubs are good ways parents can get involved.

Programs that allow parents to check their students’ grades and see what assignments they’ve been working on are readily available on all school district websites.

And teachers are just an email away.

McCune’s idea that his proposal will reduce tension between parents and school districts may be well-intentioned, but we think there’s a greater chance it will accomplish the opposite.

Instead of encouraging parents to take advantage of the policies that already allow them to see school materials and opt out of sex education, this legislation promotes the damaging idea that schools shut parents out.

We realize there are many times when parents have genuine concerns about school issues that need addressing, especially when it comes to their particular child. In those cases, their questions and complaints must be taken seriously.

But promoting an overall distrust of schools and educators isn’t helpful.

The nationwide teacher shortage is real and it’s alarming, and the culture war has played a role in this terrible trend.

In the Tri-Cities, there appears to be enough teachers so we are avoiding the crisis. In that regard, we are fortunate.

But there are still staffing gaps. In Kennewick, there are 40 special education paraeducator positions that need to be filled.

In Richland, there are 30 paraeducator jobs and several coaching positions that are still open.

We weren’t able to get figures from the Pasco School District, but we know Tri-Cities schools are always in need of substitute teachers and support staff.

When McCune’s package of parents’ rights bills are introduced to the Washington state Legislature next year, we imagine they will draw a significant amount of attention.

Just think how great it would be if that same level of interest could be directed at supporting teachers and learning.

This story was originally published September 16, 2022 at 12:26 PM.