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why would a really intelligent, talented, educated and capable individual choose to go into teaching with the pay so poor? You get what you pay for, and education is no different. Until you attract talented people through a professional compensation, quality teachers will refuse to join the profession.

I was once a teacher, but left the profession for two reasons: First, I wanted to earn a salary that was commiserate with my capabilities. Second, I hated spending all my days with laggarts and lazy people in the staffroom.

posted 3 years, 2 months ago
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Why is competition in virtually EVERY sector of the American economy (including health care) embraced enthusiastically EXCEPT when it comes to public education? If one were to actually look at the effects of competition in education by examing districts and states that have allowed this, one would see the terrific outcomes produced. The Canadian Province, Alberta, brought about competition several years ago and students have benefitted tremendously. Higher graduation rates, more competent graduates and a vibrant economy are a few of the outcomes evidenced there.

The reason the Russian car, Lada, was so horrible was because it held a monopoly. American schools are like the Lada and will flounder in the mire of mediocracy of that monoploy until sane people speak up and insist on competition.

posted 3 years, 2 months ago
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Achievement in PSS school is horrific and one need only look at drop-out rates and scores on state-wide exams to see this.

posted 3 years, 2 months ago
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The solution is easy, but no so much when you are entrenched in tradionally thinking about education.

PPS could easily set up a centralized online school / program that offers the courses that students need to be successful beyond high school and which are not easily delivered in a traditional setting because of the need for adequate student numbers in each, individual school. By centralizing these courses and delivering them online, PPS could overcome a number of issues related to school size. Such a program could be delivered right into existing schools so that students would not have to travel because of closures or lack of program offerings.

The teachers' union would, undoubtedly, oppose such a program as their interest is in halting anything that varies from the status quo is key to their survival, and their lack of concern for students will be evident once again.

posted 3 years, 2 months ago
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