The Polacco SRA Scandal

There is this whole Patricia Polacco / SRA McGraw Hill thing going on that has been occupying my brain as of late.

Basically, Patricia Polacco (noted children’s author) signed a contract to be a speaker at the IRA conference. She admittedly did not read the contract and was unaware that it was with the arch nemesis of all educators - SRA/McGraw Hill. The contract (as shown here) did include guidelines about her speeches, but they were somewhat vague, limiting her to two speeches on her “heroes” and two speeches on “tales and talk.” Apparently, shortly before the conference, SRA/MCGraw Hill required copies of Ms. Polacco’s speeches and required her to eliminate references to No Child Left Behind. They insisted that the speeches must be "upbeat, non-political, and non-controversial."

When Ms. Polacco refused to comply, SRA/McGraw Hill cancelled her contract. I don’t think they have much of a legal leg to stand on. There is no reason that the guidelines of the contract couldn't be followed while still discussing NCLB. It is possible (and even likely) to discuss one's hereos within the context of the present NCLB classroom environment. In fact it could be positively motivational. Also, I did not read anything in the contract allowing SRA/McGraw Hill the right of pre-approval of the speeches.

But I do think that the next speaker’s contract from SRA/McGraw Hill will most definitely include a clause limiting mention to the horrific piece of legislation otherwise known as NCLB. Beware future speakers!! You can contract your rights away. I just don't think Ms. Polacco did.

It is noteworthy that the only people that like this legislation are the people getting rich off of it. Perhaps it should be called: Leaving the same children behind, but making the textbook companies a hell of a lot richer in the process.