John Kasich is a Nitwit

John Richard Kasich, aka John Kasich, is the Governor of Ohio and a former Representative for Ohio's 12 congressional district. (Image: donkeyHotey)

John Kasich is a Nitwit

During the Republican primaries last year, many friends of mine considered John Kasich the adult in the GIP field. When I explained his demonstrated hostility to public education, they thought I must be exaggerating.

But now the proof is there for all who are willing to learn about it.

Kasich wants all teachers to spend some time visiting businesses so they know how to prepare their students.

The Akron Beacon Journal reports:

Ohio Gov. John Kasich wants public school teachers to see what it's like to work outside the classroom so they can better match their students to the needs of local employers.

Tucked a third of the way through Kasich's 3,512-page 2018-19 state budget is a new education mandate. If the Ohio House and Senate accepts the proposal, educators looking to get or renew a teaching license this fall would have to work at or, more likely, tour a local business.

The plan, which prioritizes industry over pedagogy, is part of the governor's broader plan to drive career education and marry schooling to the needs of the economy.

"It could be as simple as teachers touring local business and having those conversations ... to just get a better sense of what those in-demand jobs are," said Ryan Burgess, director of the Governor's Office of Workforce Transformation, which put together the group that developed the "on-site work experience" externships and about 20 other proposals in Kasich's budget.

Asked how kindergarten teachers might benefit from touring a local business, Burgess said it's never too young to explore a career."

So five-year-olds will "explore a career."

Here is a better idea: How about if business leaders commit to teach for one full day in the public schools? Think of what they might learn by doing so.

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