Weekly Report: Kids Say the Darnedest Things

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"Do you get lunch breaks?" one student from 2nd or 3rd grade asked me at Adair-Casey Elementary School this past week. Another student asked, "What kind of bills do you write? How did you get your job, do you like it?"

Earlier this week at Underwood Elementary School in Pottawattamie County, I met with a bunch of fourth-graders clamoring for a national pizza day featuring Iowa's famous taco pizza. I am afraid I disappointed the kids when I tried to steer the conversation to other subjects. Completely unfazed, another fourth-grader fired off a series of questions on whether I could bring President Obama to their classroom, if I could make them famous, and on and on. These young Iowans are spirited! Visiting these schools is really energizing because they reinforce why this job is so important.

Getting back home to Iowa each weekend and especially during district work weeks is fulfilling because it allows me to hear from you, my bosses from Iowa's Third District. Visiting schools and speaking with administrators, educators, parents and students is a top priority for me because the future of our country depends upon the education and success of our kids. I need to hear directly from those impacted by the legislation Congress is considering to do my job, and I take that very seriously.

Recently I met with a great group of administrators, educators, and parents. During the meeting, one teacher said she does not feel like a teacher anymore; she says she is a tester. Unfortunately, this is not the only time I heard that comment.

In Iowa, we understand the importance of local control. We need to balance accountability and testing, and look at models that actually measure what students are learning. Parents should have the flexibility to homeschool their kids or send their kids to different public schools, regardless of their zip code or school district, or to choose private schools. All these options drive a culture of excellence while promoting the importance of school choice to students, parents and their communities.

I hope to visit with many more students, teachers, parents, and administrators as the year progresses. Let's all take a moment to recognize all the Iowa teachers who work hard and make an incredible difference in the lives of our children. A special congratulation must be made to the "Iowa Teacher of the Year" -- Clemencia Spizzirri. Ms. Spizzirri is a Spanish teacher at Merrill Middle School in Des Moines, in the Third District. I am proud of Ms. Spizzirri and all our teachers, parents, and students who are working to make Iowa such a great state.

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