The Governing Board of the National Council of Churches has urged President Obama and members of Congress not to lose sight of the fact that public schools are the basic institution for educating the nation's children, and the government must support public schools as guarantors of each child's right to an education.In a pastoral letter unanimously adopted during its meeting May 17-18, the Governing Board urged the nation's leaders to help craft a system of education that looks upon children as unique and valuable individuals rather than "products to be tested." And the letter cautioned politicians against scapegoating principals and teachers when schools fall short of arbitrary goals.
Widespread childhood poverty is a tragic factor that should prompt all politicians to seek the most equitable and accessible system of education, the pastoral letter said.
The letter affirmed the conviction of people of faith that "public education—publicly funded, universally available, and accountable to the public—while imperfect, is essential for ensuring that all children are served."
To download and read the letter, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
