Happy Birthday to Us!

On September 11, 2015, Accountabaloney was born.

Inspired by Jon’s Stewart’s final Daily Show monologue, our goal has been to call out the “baloney” in Florida’s education system, whenever we smell it.  To paraphrase Mr. Stewart:

“Accountabaloney is everywhere. There is very little you will encounter in Florida education policy that has not been, in some ways, infused with accountabaloney… Now the good news. The sausage-makers have gotten pretty lazy. And their work is easily detected. And looking for it is kind of a pleasant way to pass the time. Like an “I Spy” of accountabaloney. So we say to you tonight, friends. The best defense against accountabaloney is vigilance. So, if you smell something, say something.”

Our first blog called for a “a serious, state wide, discussion regarding the appropriate use of standardized test data:”

“This should include review of the mandatory third grade retention, graduation requirements, VAM scores, the effect of state mandated EOCs on a student’s GPA, and the A-F school grading system. Florida should consider the use of existing, less test-based accountability systems. Rather than enacting new laws, existing laws with unintended negative consequences should be repealed. REAL education experts, and not just those from the Foundation for Excellence in Education, should be involved.

Only by questioning the stakes attached to student test scores, and addressing their obvious negative consequences, can school boards regain local control of their districts and educators regain control of education for the benefit of students.”

Four years later, we are still waiting for that discussion.

Still, we think four years is something to celebrate! Celebrate with us by making a baloney cake (recipe here) and sharing it with your legislator. Help us show that we are not alone in our concerns.  Remind your legislator that they can do something to help combat the accountabaloney and can help save Florida’s public schools.

If you do make a baloney cake (and we hope you do) don’t forget to share a photo on social media and tag #accountabaloney!