Well....
I have no doubt that problems are intense and severe, but the politicians' involvement makes me think "photo op" way before anything constructive that will benefit the student. If the school's problems are really that severe (and I don't doubt they are) shouldn't that already be known and potentially explored by an effective politician? If the public truly cared, would not they, too, already know and not be dramatically surprised by this throwing open of the doors?
As for the politician's benefit from the experience....any politician who could not deftly, and easily handle any question put to him by a more-than-likely unsophisticated high school student, probably doesn't deserve election to office. Dude will look for the TV camera red light, smile wide and say "this truly was an enriching experience." yeah right.
Jefferson's own "I enjoyed it" addresses makes my point. If he truly took in the obstacles the teachers face daily, the substandard materials teachers and students are forced to work with, what would there be to "enjoy?"
I'm sure there is some aspirational benefit to some of the students and maybe that makes it worth it, but when I see the pols involved in something like this in late October, during an election cycle....I see "photo op" long before I see effective public policy tool.
but AKA2D, you know you already got my vote on lock for Louisiana Educator of the Year
