State Sen. Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville) warned school choice opponents that some deviations from the set curriculum, including an assignment for 10th graders at Prattville High School revealed last week, will strengthen the argument for school choice in Alabama.
Givhan explained how the backlash could embolden school choice proponents during an appearance on Huntsville radio WVNN's "The Dale Jackson Show."
"I told somebody the other day who is an opponent of school choice that probably the number one thing that is going to get you school choice is all this garbage that is going on in classrooms. I just generally refer to it as 'divisive concepts.' I said that's what's driving people nuts. I think that will get the ball moving quicker than anything."
He also said setting consequences for violations of some of the guidelines needed to be considered.
"I think you've got to," Givhan added. "If there are no consequences, what is holding them back? If they're going to be able to finish out the year or basically just get a little letter in their file, how is the local board going to handle it? Are they going to stand up, spend the money on legal fees because AEA will be defending the teacher — are they going to spend the money on the legal fees it takes to get rid of them?"
Later in the interview, the Madison County Republican lawmaker said he was bearish on the possibility of a voucher-style school choice system coming to fruition this legislative session.
Jeff Poor is the executive editor of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
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