By State Representative Edward Lindsey (R-Atlanta)
(350 words)
I read with disappointment Dick Yarbrough’s column of last week denouncing evaluating teachers in part based on their performance in the classroom. Unlike other journalists and columnists in Georgia who are concerned with this issue, Mr. Yarbrough never picked up the phone to speak with me prior to writing his column. If he had, he would have learned the following:
1. While I believe that we should seriously study this issue, which has already been implemented in several states around the country, I also strongly believe that we should proceed carefully. We must work with teachers and administrators to obtain their input and to review how other programs around the nation have worked before implementing such a program in Georgia. The concerns raised by Mr. Yarbrough have been similarly raised in other states and we should look to determine what has and has not been successful. As I have explained to several columnists and journalists, we intend to move slowly and get input from all involved before making any statutory recommendations.
2. Mr. Yarbrough blames low student performance on economically poor students. I agree with the facts he cites, but also that it is up to our education system to adjust to these realities in order to give every child in Georgia a shot at the American Dream. As is often said, “Demographics should not control destiny in public education.”
3. Mr. Yarbrough closes his column by insinuating that I am callous to the plight of teachers — despite the fact that I was endorsed by the Georgia Association of Educators in 2008. Curiously, he cites the fact that I was photographed wearing a tux at a charity event. For this, I thank him. It will give me ammunition the next time my wife argues that I should wear one. Only James Bond can look good in those things and I am certainly no James Bond.
In closing, I invite Mr. Yarbrough and any other interested Georgian to contact me on this issue or any other education reform. My legislative office number is 404-656-5024 and my e mail is Edward.lindsey@house.ga.gov.
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Representative Edward Lindsey was elected by the Republican Caucus as their Majority Whip, the fourth highest ranking position in House leadership, on December 17, 2009. He represents the citizens of House District 54, which includes portions of Atlanta. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2004, and currently serves on the Rules, Appropriations, Education, Ethics, Industrial Relations, and Judiciary committees.