Sunday, May 29, 2005
Peer Pressure
Kansas Education Commissioner Andy Tomkins is leaving his post to take a job at the University of Kansas, where he will work with graduate students in school leadership.
According to a report by John Milburn of the Associated Press, "Tompkins acknowledges the (science curriculum) issues have been a distraction and he often gets teased by peers from other states."
Always a good soldier and consistent advocate for Kansas school children Tomkins "takes exception with those who say downplaying evolution will hurt the quality of students Kansas produces and that they won't be able to do science or get into college."
Even so, supporters of education in Kansas should ask why he chose to announce his resignation in the middle of the battle over science curriculum -- and school finance -- and what sort of person the current board will be able to attract under the circumstances.
According to a report by John Milburn of the Associated Press, "Tompkins acknowledges the (science curriculum) issues have been a distraction and he often gets teased by peers from other states."
Always a good soldier and consistent advocate for Kansas school children Tomkins "takes exception with those who say downplaying evolution will hurt the quality of students Kansas produces and that they won't be able to do science or get into college."
Even so, supporters of education in Kansas should ask why he chose to announce his resignation in the middle of the battle over science curriculum -- and school finance -- and what sort of person the current board will be able to attract under the circumstances.
