Tennessee Teacher Says Rep. White Using Hillsdale To Deflect Attention Away From Failing Student Proficiency Rates

Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov / Hillsdale College – Facebook

The Tennessee Conservative [By Jason Vaughn] –

Representative Mark White boasted that Governor Lee’s plan to allow Hillsdale College to operate charter schools in Tennessee has been “shattered” but a Tennessee teacher says that White’s and other’s attacks on Hillsdale are merely attempts to deflect attention away from failing student proficiency rates.

In a social media post, White (R-Memphis-District 83) claimed the Hillsdale College President was attempting to dismantle opposition to the charter school initiative by launching disparaging remarks toward Tennessee teachers.

White wrote, “When the General Assembly convenes again next January any hope that Hillsdale will operate in Tennessee has been shattered ” and that Hillsdale will not be a part of the solution to Tennessee’s educational system problems. White also said that if any bill comes before the Legislature dealing with Hillsdale it will be rejected, as White currently serves as chair of the Tennessee House of Representatives Education Administration Committee. 

However, Joseph R. Murray, an award-winning Tennessee teacher, civil rights attorney, author, and political commentator has released the following statement in response:

“The idea that those attacking Hillsdale are doing so to stand-up for teachers is laughable. They are using Hillsdale to deflect attention away from the fact that Tennessee has student proficiency rates in the 30s and that  Tennessee ranks 42^nd in terms of teacher salary.

The biggest insult to teachers is that those in power continue to force a failed education policy into every classroom. Just look at key elements of the policy:

• Scripted curricula eviscerate teacher trust and treat us like children;

• Common assessments move students through an academic assembly line concerned more with quantity than quality;

• Academic standards control and limit what students learn;

• Standards-based grading removes competition from the classroom; and

• Equity creates an environment where student identity is more important than their individuality.

Rather than stand-up for teachers on these key policy concerns, many of the new ‘Hillsdale heroes’ are silent.

Though his delivery was imperfect, Dr. Arnn and Hillsdale have a recipe for success. Blending classical concepts to meet modern demands, Hillsdale charter schools could disrupt public education in Tennessee and force it to change. Those attacking Hillsdale are doing so for this reason and Tennessee teachers are merely a means to an end.  

This is not a system of success and defending it to silence perceived rivals is not a sign of respect to Tennessee teachers and students; it is a slap in the face. Fix this broken system, don’t use teachers as an excuse to distract from its shortcomings.”

Murray is a constitutional lawyer who left the courtroom to become an award-winning teacher.

About the Author: Jason Vaughn, Media Coordinator for The Tennessee Conservative  ~ Jason previously worked for a legacy publishing company based in Crossville, TN in a variety of roles through his career.  Most recently, he served as Deputy Director for their flagship publication. Prior, he was a freelance journalist writing articles that appeared in the Herald Citizen, the Crossville Chronicle and The Oracle among others.  He graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a Bachelor’s in English-Journalism, with minors in Broadcast Journalism and History.  Contact Jason at news@TennesseeConservativeNews.com