Monday, educators and their supporters gathered around the state to voice their continuing displeasure with Superintendent Tom Luna's Students Come First laws. But, Monday's demonstrations were more about moving forward than looking to the past.
This was the scene in Pocatello a year ago as educators and allies were taking to the streets to protest the Students Come First laws making their way through the Idaho capitol. With the proposals now law, the Idaho Education Association is taking Monday to remind voters that those same laws are up for referendum come November. In Idaho Falls a panel discussion was held at the O.E. Bell building and panelist Heather Gerard says technology is not a cure all for education in the Gem State.
“If it all possible smaller class sizes and things that can help the kids be more productive,” said Gerard. “I just don't think that necessarily technology is the magic thing that it's going to fix it all.”
In Pocatello the IEA hosted an open house at Goody's and Teresa Jackman with the IEA says it's about keeping the momentum going.
“Remember the fervor that we felt when we worked to get those referendums on the ballot, they haven't changed,” Jackman said. “They’re the laws we are trying to function under and they're not working.”
And Jackman says overturning the Luna laws is what is best for the most important people in education.
“They're bad laws, they hurt teachers opportunity to teach and in cases hurt children's opportunity to learn,” said Jackman.
Election Day is on November 6th this year.
