Rory Reid Sees His Shadow And Proposes An Education Plan- Ho Hum

Today, Rory Reid introduced his education plan to the public today and I have to say, it is about as boring and unremarkable as Rory Reid.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/mar/22/rory-reid-releases-nv-education-plan/
I've read the program and it is lacking in many ways.
First, as a special education teacher, Reid's plan mentions nothing about special education, even though the special education department is almost always one of the biggest departments in any school. Not one mention in his program and not one mention about getting funding from the federal government as they impose unfunded mandates and don't fund special education as promised.
2nd, there is no mention about educating illegal immigrants, even though that is a major expense in the school districts.
3rd, no mention of ELL programs- do they expand or keep them the same.
Most of the plan revolves around giving teachers and principals control of education in the schools. He rarely mentions the role that the administration does play. Yes, there are too many layers of bureaucracy, but the administration sets standards and makes sure that the important items are being taught.
By giving so much control to the principals and teachers can lead to many problems, first and foremost, it allows fad education programs into the curriculum. Remember New Math? No emphasis on spelling? Collaborative learning? All failures, but under Rory Reid's plan, these fads in education can make their way into the classroom.
Rory also wants to grade schools school districts on graduation rates and college placement. Alright, but no mention of graduates of going into the military. That apparently is not good enough for Rory Reid.
The strangest part of the report is this: Rory wants to increase testing while reducing testing? Sounds like he is for getting rid of proficiency exams.
"Use modern technology to reduce time spent on testing. Teachers and parents complain about the amount of school time spent on testing instead of learning. Currently, Nevada students are required to take four benchmark tests per year, plus the state’s Criterion Reference Tests, and writing tests in fifth grade, just to name a few. The state will continue to administer tests because of federal requirements or the need to monitor student and school performance. By using modern technology and focusing not just on standardized tests, but also on other measures of achievement, we will reduce the emphasis placed — and the time spent — on standardized tests" http://roryreid.com/system/files/4/original/Rory-EDGE_Plan.pdf Now, I don't have a problem with that getting rid of proficiency exams, but many other people will have a problem with the program.
Finally, the report says he will not raise taxes to do this. OK. Then how is he going to pay for all the extra costs. Oh, right, get donations from the private sector. Huh? In this economy. He wants to go nationwide in search of donations. Really? Why would a company or individual in New York or Wisconsin want to donate to Nevada schools when they can donate to their hometown schools.
They also think they can save hundreds of millions of dollars in administrative costs. Well, there is fat in the bureaucracy but not that much after this year, even less. Financing his plan is a fairy dream made out of fairy dust.
On the face of this proposal, it seems like a feel good idea but it will not be implemented. First, he will have strong opposition from his base- the teacher's union and also school districts.
So, Mr. Reid, go back to the drawing board. It's a start but you have a long way to go.
In regards to the Sun article, the Las Vegas is not allowing comments, so this was a political campaign advertisement for Reid. How pathetic of the Sun.