Our National P.T.A.

I was reminded the other day of the sad fact that The National PTA (Parent-Teacher Association), like the AFT (except here, the tune is to over $5 million) has accepted extremely generous grants from the Bill and Melissa Gates Foundation.  The National PTA says it "has not received funding from any association to advocate for the Common Core State Standards."  Yet, oddly enough, the Gates Foundation will tell you that $499,962 was granted specifically to "educate parents and communities on the Common Core Standards and empower leaders to create the changes needed in their school systems." 

So, I rewrote a song...

Our National P.T.A., 

Based on "Harper Valley P.T.A.," (as sung by Jeannie Riley and written by Tom T. Hall)

I want to tell you all the story
'Bout a Harper Valley suburban wife
Who had a teenage daughter
Who attended Harper Valley Junior High

Well, her daughter came home one afternoon
And didn't even stop to play
And she said, "Mom, I got a note here
From our National PTA"

Well, the note says, "Mrs. Johnson
You're speaking out against the Common Core
It's reported you've been bloggin'
And asking King questions like it's an all out war."

"And we don't believe you ought to be
Optin' out your child on tests today"
And it was signed by the secretary
Our National PTA

Well, it happened that the PTA
Was gonna meet that very afternoon
And they were sure surprised
When Mrs. Johnson started diggin' up dirt in that room

And as she walked up to the Smart Board
I can still recall the words she had to say
She said, "I'd like to address this meeting
Of our National PTA"

"Well, there's Mr. Bill Gates buying us
And $2.5 million has been your price
You say the money's not to advocate for the Core
But, gee, he sure is nice?"

"And your 'Talking Points,' try to tell us
Why State Standards are so awfully pretty
Even though NY students fail
'Cause seventy percent need to be more gritty"

"Well, Mr. Pearson couldn't be here
'Cause he's out promotin' some more assessments
But he's kind enough to sponsor us
On the condition we give some more tests"

"And then you have the nerve to tell me
You think that as a mother I'm not fit
Well, this is just a little Paid-For Place
And you're all Harper Valley hypocrites"

No, I wouldn't put you on
Because it really did, it happened just this way
That day my mama socked it to our National PTA
That day my mama socked it to our National PTA