NPR TRANSCRIPT
Dozens of public schools won’t have traditional libraries when classes start. Teachers and parents criticize reforms turning some libraries into centers for students with disciplinary problems.
LEILA FADEL, HOST:
In Houston, Texas, dozens of public schools won’t have librarians and traditional libraries when classes start later this month. It’s part of a controversial reform effort in the state’s largest school district. The new superintendent says schools in working-class areas need good teachers more than they need librarians. But critics are blasting the plan, worried that students won’t have the same access to fully equipped libraries. Houston Public Media’s Dominic Anthony Walsh reports.
DOMINIC ANTHONY WALSH, BYLINE: Mike Miles is an unusual superintendent. He was not hired by the local school board.
Howdy.
MIKE MILES: Hey.
WALSH: Hi. Dominic.
MILES: Dominic, I’m Mike. Nice to meet you.
WALSH: Instead, the Texas Education Agency, which oversees public education in the state, appointed him to lead Houston schools in June. The agency also replaced the entire elected school board with hand-picked managers. This is allowed under […]
The Republican insanity is taking over so much of our poor country that I am ashamed by what they are doing and what the eventual outcome may be.