Rosario-Ramos’ OpEd in 80grados examines legacy of Rosselló education policy
80grados, a Puerto Rico based publication, published an OpEd written by Professor Enid Rosario-Ramos. The piece, “Legado cuestionable de la política educativa de Ricardo Rosselló,” discusses the educational legacy of former Governor Rosselló, whose educational reform remained in place even after he resigned from the governorship. Rosario-Ramos draws particular attention to his implementation of charter schools and school vouchers and argues that this reform is both an abdication of the Department of Education's responsibility to provide an equitable education for all Puerto Rican children and a move towards the privatization of education in Puerto Rico. Rosario-Ramos makes reference to studies from other areas in the United States that indicate that educational vouchers do not expand access to education, do not positively impact the academic achievement of students, lack popular support, hamper transparency and accountability, and end up being an expensive decision for taxpayers.
Rosario-Ramos writes, “Los puertorriqueños han demostrado una y otra vez su compromiso con la educación, ya sea en la lucha por la reapertura de las escuelas post-María, en la larga batalla por las mejoras a los servicios de educación especial, o en la indignación que han expresado ante la noticia de que una vez más, se ha develado un esquema de corrupción que incluye el uso indebido de fondos en Educación. Quizás, en lugar de abdicar la responsabilidad de ofrecer una educación equitativa y de calidad, los líderes que emerjan de la revolución política que acapara a Puerto Rico deberían renovar su compromiso con la niñez y la juventud trabajando con las comunidades y gremios para asegurar que el sistema de educación pública del país sea la mejor opción para las familias puertorriqueñas.”
[English Translation: “Puerto Ricans have shown time and again their commitment to education, whether in the struggle for the reopening of schools after hurricane Maria, in the long battle for improvements to special education services, or in the outrage they have expressed after they learned the news that, once again, a corruption scheme had been unveiled that included the misuse of education funds. Perhaps, instead of abdicating the responsibility of offering an equitable and quality education to all Puerto Ricans, leaders emerging from the political revolution that has spread throughout Puerto Rico should renew their commitment to children and youth by working with communities and educators to ensure that the country's public education system is the best option for Puerto Rican families.”]