Religion & Politics in Education? Not in Oklahoma!

During its most recent quarterly survey, SoonerPoll asked voters their opinion of teachers expressing their religious or political views in Oklahoma classrooms.  The results were interesting.  On the question of whether or not Oklahoma school teachers should be allowed to express their religious views in the classroom, the results were a statistical tie.  Of the 509 voters surveyed, 46.8% said teachers should not express their religious views while in the classroom, while 46.6% said they should be allowed to do so.

With a margin of error of +/- 4.34%, the difference is not enough to say which side voters truly come down on.  All that can be said with certainty is that voters appear to be evenly divided on this issue.  You can see SoonerPoll's analysis of this issue here. 

The response to whether or not teacher's should be allowed to express their political opinions in the classroom was much more clear, with a substantial majority (58.3%) opposing such actions.  Oklahoma voters seem uniformly opposed to teachers inserting their own political beliefs into their instruction of school children.

Some, such as University of Central Oklahoma professor and political blogger Kurt Hochenauer, are surprised that such a politically and religiously conservative state as Oklahoma would not have a stronger support for the expression of religious or political views in the classroom.  Professor Hochenauer wonders what results would be revealed if voters were given the opportunity to choose from various religions.  Would voters be more likely to support a "Christian" expression than a "Muslim" or "Jewish" expression?  Quite possibly so.

But where Professor Hochenauer veers off into trying to imply that a lack of support for teachers expressing their political views could also reveal a lack of support for broader public policy issues relating to religion and morality (see Professor Hochenauer's complete analysis here), I want to stay on point and examine this issue more deeply.

How has the rise of alternatives to public education impacted the public's thinking on this issue?  In a previous poll, SoonerPoll confirmed the growing trend toward opting out of the public school system.  During that survey, 55.7% of respondents said they personally knew someone who home schooled their child (see SoonerPoll's analysis here).  Oklahoma has become one of the leading states in offering a variety options to public education through charter schools, private and parochial schools, and home schooling.

Given the vast majority of parents who opt to place their child in a parochial school or to home school their child do so because they believe religion is an important aspect in their child's education, could this impact their response to a question about religious views expressed by public school teachers?  While I believe it does, further research is needed for any definitive conclusions.

As for political expression in public schools, I believe Professor Hochenauer is correct when he states that "teachers are often claimed to be less conservative than the overall general public."  This is even more true of the leadership of teachers' unions such as the American Federation of Teachers and the American Education Association, both of whom have dominated the public school system for the last forty years, along with what is taught in that system.

The one thing that both liberals and conservatives appear to agree on is that they don't want someone else pushing their political agenda on to the state's public school children.

These questions are interesting, but are just the start of assessing what voters think about religion and politics in education.  Professor Hochenauer believes that asking the question slightly different might yield differing results.  I tend to think that's somewhat correct.  But I think the continuing trend of families who want religion to be an important aspect to their child's education leaving the public school system will keep those numbers lower than what others think they might be.

Can You Pass the 4-Way Test?

"Truth is the secret of eloquence and virtue, the basis of moral authority; it is the highest summit of art and of life." - Henri Amiel

I recently attended a local Rotary Club meeting.  While I am not a Rotarian, I have several friends who are and I have always been impressed with the work of this civic organization.  I was pleased to have the opportunity to visit with my friend and Oklahoma County Treasurer, Butch Freeman while at this particular meeting.

Like many clubs, this group recited the Rotarian's 4-Way Test at the end of the meeting.  While I have heard this on many occasions, it had been a while.  For those who have never heard or read the test, here it is:

• Is it the truth?
• Is it fair to all concerned?
• Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
• Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

As I pondered these questions, I thought of my friend, Butch Freeman.  He has been the County Treasurer for nearly 20 years.  I've had the opportunity to observe his actions first hand, as a former county employee.  He is also the current District Governor of Rotary.  As I thought about my experiences in Oklahoma County and watching how Butch approached leadership, I was struck by how closely he adhered to these principles.

Butch was not concerned about scoring political points, or using his position as a springboard for higher political office.  But he was always particularly concerned with developing strong relationships and ensuring that the actions he and others took were beneficial to everyone concerned.  Butch was also a straight shooter.  He told you what he thought, whether he agreed with you or not.  But it was always in a respectful way.

If you have ever met Butch, you know he is one of the most congenial individuals around.  He always greets you with a smile and a handshake.  He is an excellent representative for Rotary International, and you can tell he is passionate about the organization.

I also recalled an earlier conversation I had this week with another friend and Rotarian, Jerrod Shouse.  Jerrod also represents the best of Rotarian values.  Jerrod is part of the younger generation of Rotarians.  He is active and creating a strong reputation for himself.  I know the commitment he has made to the Rotary has helped him build that reputation.

In previous posts I've mentioned the five tenets of Taekwondo and their relationship to our daily lives.  I think the Rotary's 4-way test is another excellent tool by which we can gauge the quality of our actions.  If more people would apply this test before they spoke or acted, much of the conflict we see around us would dissolve.

I will probably join the Rotary soon.  I've been around it too much and respect the organization and the individuals who participate in it.  But I think whether we are members of Rotary International or not, we can all benefit from applying the 4-Way Test to our lives.

Education Reform? Probably Not

"When a subject becomes totally obsolete we make it a required course." - Peter Drucker

About the only thing I think I'm going to accomplish with this blog is aggravating a lot of people while allowing myself to vent.  But sometimes, that's enough...

Education continues to be one of the consistent issues people are concerned about.  In fact, SoonerPoll recently asked a question to 500 likely voters about consolidating school districts in the state.  SoonerPoll asked if voters believed there were too many school districts in Oklahoma.  It then followed that question by asking respondents if they would support the creation of a "committee of experts to oversee a process to consolidate Oklahoma's" school districts. 

Interestingly enough, while only 51% responded the state had too many school districts, nearly 57% said they would support creation of a committee to consolidate districts.  Apparently some who don't believe we have too many districts would nonetheless support consolidating them anyway.

And while my conservative friends hail school district consolidation as a major step in education reform, the fact is, this is just one of the many band-aid approaches to real change in our education system.

We see these ancillary issues continue to be the focus of reformers on the left and right- classroom size, teacher pay, school choice, consolidation, and more.  But these reforms are akin to placing a band aid on a severed artery -   not really all that meaningful.

When the framers of the U.S. Constitution came together in May of 1787 they were officially charged with revising the Articles of Confederation.  This was a group of laws so dysfunctional that several states were teetering on the brink of war with one another.  Many knew, and most quickly came to realize, that there was no point in trying to revise them.  The system was broken beyond repair.  So a completely new Constitution was created and submitted to the people for approval.

In 2011, there are a few who realize the current education system in Oklahoma has reached the point of no return.  We can apply all the band aids we want, but this patient will continue to bleed out.  It's time to admit this, and begin thinking about what a truly effective education system built to meet the needs of our students would look like.  We should be asking ourselves, as the framers of the U.S. Constitution did, what should be the guiding principles of this new system?

I'll offer four here:

• The "Age of the Entrepreneur" has arrived.  Our education system should be built to help students succeed in it.  It's not 1907 anymore, and we don't need large scale institutions creating mass employees for large scale industries. 
• Focus on the Individual.  If we believe education is a fundamental right, then let's design a system that allows each individual to maximize their skills and abilities and take full advantage of their learning style. 
• Redefining "Public Education."  Even as we reaffirm the notion of public funding of education (i.e., tax dollars), we should design a system that takes advantage of Oklahoma's vast diversity of educational alternatives (public, charter, private, parochial, and home schools).  The system should be designed to allow families the most options in selecting the educational delivery system best for their family's needs.
• Tax relief for families with school age children.  Here are some simple tax code adjustments that would prove our legislature truly supports education:  1) A dollar-for-dollar tax credit for all education related expenses; 2) Cease using property taxes as a funding mechanism for schools; 3) Until #2 is accomplished, offer a tax rebate to all families not using a "public school" to educate their children.

Reform of our education system is long overdue.  Oklahoma has some unique advantages that will allow us to create an education system that serves as an example for others to follow.  But we must first admit that the current system can no longer be repaired.  Instead of commissioning a committee of experts to create more band aids, let's commission it to create a whole new system that will meet the needs of students and families in our state.

Leadership Lacking in State House

This is not a political blog and I don't wish to turn it into one.  However, as someone who is engaged in the political process I've become concerned about what seems to be lack of effective leadership in the State House of Representatives.

This week there have been several stories about a quickly emerging divide between social conservatives and economic conservatives within the Republican Party.  The result has been bad behavior by some legislators, a rash of reprimands pushed through by leadership, and an embarrassing week of name-calling.

Whether you agree with one side or the other, it is clear the leadership of the House has let this situation deteriorate and has been reactive rather than pro-active in addressing whatever concerns its members have. 

At the end of the day, this fight is ludicrous.  Trying to uncouple economic conservatism from social conservatism is like cutting a quarter in half.  What do you have?  Nothing.  You cannot have a strong, vibrant, free market economy that sustains itself without having a very strong moral foundation among the people.

This fight illustrates an appalling lack of effective leadership on the part of the State House.  Republicans are in control of the legislature and every office of the executive branch.  Apparently there are so few Democrats left in state government that Republicans have had to resort to infighting.  And many of us saw this coming well before the votes had been counted last year.

Effective leadership, which in my opinion is leadership that keeps its eye on the goal, would have worked to head off this confrontation before it became a public spectacle.  And if it was unable to accomplish that, it would have marginalized its opposition to the point their credibility would be undermined.  The House leadership has done neither.

In fact, its actions this week have only contributed to the growing division within the Republican Caucus.  The "Peter Principle" states that people tend to rise to the level of their incompetence.  Are we seeing this in the House? 

If the current leadership doesn't wish to see its own caucus devolve any further into chaos, I suggest it read two books.  John Maxwell's 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and Doris Kearns Goodwin's Team of Rivals.  Both books could give the House Leadership some real insight to real leadership.

Whether you are running a business, non-profit organization, or a branch of government, leadership skills are essential to accomplish your goals.  I am concerned at the apparent lack of these skills demonstrated in the State House.

10 Things I Want to Teach My Chilren

My wife and I have five children that God has blessed our home with.  I also have a grown child from a previous marriage.  As the father of 6 children I often think about what I want them to learn from me.  What lessons can I give them that will help them lead productive and purposeful lives.

Below are the Top 10 Things I hope my children learn:

10.  Be an Encourager - There are enough complainers and doubters in the world.  Be a person who is known for your encouraging words and actions.  It will not only help the people around you, it will also open up a world of possibilities for you.

9.  Don't Take Yourself Too Seriously - The more comfortable you are with yourself, the more others will be comfortable with you.

8.  Be a Problem Solver - Learn to not only identify problems but to also create solutions.  This, too, will open new possibilities for you.

7.  Take Care of Your Body - You only have one - and it needs to last a lifetime.  Develop habits to make sure you stay healthy and protect this important asset.

6.  Never Stop Learning - Develop a thirst for knowledge.  It will be a powerful tool for you regardless of what career you choose.

5.  Don't be a "Wage Slave" - Develop the skills and abilities to create your own financial future.  Don't be dependent on a job.  If you are an employee, make sure you are one on your terms, not the employers.  Whether you are 20 or 40, being dependent on another for your financial security is a bad situation.

4.  Express Your Gratitude - This is more than just saying "Thank you."  It means you protect and grow the blessings you have been given.

3.  Don't be Afraid - The Bible says, "Perfect love eliminates fear."  Let the love of your family, friends, and of God energize you to action and fill you with confidence.

2.  Serve God by Serving Others - The true measure of our devotion to God is how well we serve others - in every area of our lives.

1.  Have Faith - In today's world, it is common for faith to be ridiculed.  Many see it as a rejection of reason.  I believe faith is the extension of reason.  It is what we could if we had perfect knowledge.  Faith, rather than holding us back, is what propels us forward as individuals, communities, and as a society.