Wood: ‘Trades teachers for technology’

Sherri Wood, president of the Idaho Education Association, told the Senate Education Committee, “We all know that what Idaho needs is more jobs. SB1184 will mean hundreds and perhaps thousands of lost jobs for Idaho.” She said the bill’s technology mandates and other funding changes mean “districts will have little choice but to increase class size … cut staff, increase furlough days, and perhaps all of the above.” She said, “We know technology is a tool that can only supplement, not replace, the guidance of a caring, competent adult in the room. That is why SB 1184 is so insidious.” Wood said, “We’re going to say it again, (the bill) trades teachers for technology. … SB 1184 creates a permanent line item for computers while reducing the amount of direct teacher time for the student.” She said, “Idaho could lose up to a quarter of its current teaching jobs. Think about what that will do to class size. How is this going to attract teachers to Idaho? … Worst of all, what does it mean for Idaho’s children?”

In response to questions from senators, Wood said, “I don’t like standing up here saying we don’t want the technology, because we do. But you don’t buy these new things when you can’t afford the basics.”