A few days ago, I started honoring people who defend public education and teachers against reckless assaults on them. One of the first of those on the honor roll was Lottie Beebe, an elected member of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Here is her response.
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Diane, you are my hero. Thank you for your untiring efforts to keep everyone informed of what is happening in Louisiana. We must continue to be vocal and strive to educate the public to the truth regarding education reform. I think your latest effort is remarkable! I think it is a wonderful idea to recognize those who stand up for students and traditonal public schools. I hope your list is infinite.
Again, let me say I decided to seek the BESE position because of my desire to see positive changes in the education profession–contrary to the train wreck that is destined to occur. I attended a National Association of State School Boards’ meeting in Washington, DC in July and had the opportunity to hear a speaker say the following: No state should implement a teacher evaluation program with a 50% value added component–particularly, with the roll out of the Common Core (CC) curriculum. He specifically stated there will be a decline in student achievement due to the rigor of the (CC). Consequently, there will be a greater number of teachers who will receive an ineffective rating. What are we doing in Louisiana? (50% Value-Added)
To add insult to injury, we are rolling out the teacher evaluation program statewide without a full year of piloting. My school district was one of nine participating school districts and the rubric used during the 4 month pilot was scrapped for another. Using a quote from another state–New York–“we are building the plane as we fly it!” Make no mistake about it, I am not anti-teacher evaluations. Teacher evaluations have been in place for years in Louisiana; however, a few districts neglected to evaluate annually. This fact was used during the 2012 Louisiana Legislative session to garner support for education reform and to vilify teachers, in my opinion.
During my participation at the National Association of State Boards of Education, I was amazed to hear another presenter mention the year, 2014, will likely be education’s Armaggedon–“eduggedon” or edu–cliff. I agree with this assessment due to the likely decline in student achievement, increased teacher ineffective ratings, and the negative campaign against educators and traditional schools.
This reform movement is, by design, to dismantle tradional public schools and the aforementioned prediction is what will likely convince many that our traditional schools are dismal failures. We must continue our efforts to educate the public and do everything we can to promote excellence. When our students succeed, we must celebrate and publicize their success. There are many outstanding traditional schools in this country and Louisiana. As a grandparent of two grandsons enrolled in Louisiana’s public schools, I can proudly say they are receiving a quality education at C rated schools which are deemed failing by Louisiana’s standards. (Somebody, please tell me when did a C become a failing grade?) Someone obviously lied to me! I was always told a C grade was average.
Thanks to all who responded to Diane’s call. I truly appreciate the emails! I also want to publicly express my gratitude to Ms. Carolyn Hill, my BESE colleague. I want to publicly thank the members of the Louisiana Legislature who had the intestinal fortitude to stand up to ALEC and the governor –those who voted against Act 1 and Act 2–Choice. Often, criticism is generically stated; yet, there are many legislators who did not drink the Kool-aid. On behalf of Louisiana’s educators, I want to thank them. Thanks to all of the other courageous educators who stand before our students each day providing a valuable service–educating and molding our future!
Lottie P. Beebe, District 3
Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
lottieb@cox.net
Diane Ravitch's blog 
We love Lottie in Louisiana and we are beginning to love Carolyn Hill as well. Our BESE board was stacked against public education in October. One only has to look at the campaign contributions to see the big money and out of state influence in elections which were for non paying positions.
Hi Diane, I know you’re a busy women, but is there a way you can make your blog posts able to be directly shared on Facebook at the bottom?
I will if I can figure it out.
Lottie Beebe and Carolyn Hill make me proud to be an educator in Louisiana. Many times in the past few years as a school administrator I have wondered if I should just go ahead and retire and let someone else fight these battles to keep public education alive. But then I attend a meeting, hear someone speak, or read what they’ve written and know that we can’t give up now. We must continue to advocate for the children who cannot advocate for themselves.
I had the pleasure of meeting Lottie and believe me, she is the real deal! I teach at a rural school and we had a community meeting to inform parents and interested community members about what was happening with education in our state. We invited Lottie to speak at our forum and she came! We were so honored to have her explain what the education legislation (that was ultimately passed) would mean to our students and to our schools. What Lottie predicted would happen is now coming to pass. She is not only knowledgeable and passionate about education but also one of the nicest, most sincere people I have ever met!!!
Thank you, Diane, for posting a list of courageous educators in leadership positions. Just as several other folks, I wrote to Lottie Beebe. She wrote back and we will meet to share education ideas, concerns, and possible solutions. Can you tell how happy I am to be part of this active blog. Keep us going, we will overcome!
When your readers read this particular blog, they will certainly see why Lottie Beebe was nominated to be on the list of public school supporters. She is first and foremost an educator. They are rare when it comes to elected or appointed boards anywhere, especially in Louisiana. Those of us here appreciate the time and sincere approach she gives to her responsibility. She also has a deep love for her family. She understands Louisiana. That’s very important. Thank you, Ms. Beebe.