Gifted Policy Overview Draft Dated February 10, 2009

Draft Policy IOA Overview Feb 10, 2009

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The Draft Policy IOA Revision Overview is a document being voted upon by members of the handpicked, secretive AEI Advisory Committee. Contrary to published claims, the document states "AEI Advisory members provided input in developing the majority recommendations (column three)". Four pages of this document, reproduced here, are part of the 10-page set provided in response to a Freedom of Information request. The document copy, provided by MCPS, had missing information.

Committee members did not discuss the issues contained in this document with their constituencies before voting on the language at meetings.

The willingness of various groups to sit on these committees and not disclose the changes to educational policies they are approving on our behalf has resulted in MCPS being able to present educational policy changes as a "done deal" and insisting stakeholder had an opportunity to provide an input.

It is time to put an end to these secretive committees and the havoc they wreck on our educational system, by demanding open, transparent, public discourse on policy changes. This culture of secretive "advisory committees," has generated power groups seeking to influence the direction of a policy at any and all costs. These groups, "lobbyists" of sorts, can be seen to manipulate public opinion in an effort to get their singular view across at the expense of all else.

I advocate an inclusive process where these lobbyists hanging on to these secretive committees are a thing of the past.

Remember, any member of the Advisory Committee with a commitment to transparency, openness, and applicable law, could have requested the release of this document, as well as any other, at any time. It is significant, that despite repeated requests, none chose to do so.

It is now the time for a robust, well-informed, public debate and input. It is only proper that we, as parents, speak for ourselves. Our voices, raised in support of what is morally, ethically, and legally right can accomplish more than any hand-picked committee meeting in secret.

Remember April 15 is for taxes.

April 16 is for standing up for your child. It is when parents answer the call of their conscience that transparency and accountability becomes a reality. Please join in a protest by concerned parents.

WHEN: April 16, 2009 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
WHERE: At Carver ESC in Conference Room 127

Join the fight for data driven, open, transparent change in public education.