First in Self Esteem and Last in Math: Whose Fault is It?

Have you read the statistics that came out a few years ago about America’s students? There was a large study done comparing elementary students through high school students with other countries and the results were dismal for sure. While our kids are number one in self esteem, we are near the bottom in all other academic subjects areas. In other words, we feel really good about failing! Everyone is quick to point to our failing public school system. . .and while I do feel that the public educational system needs some tweaking, I can’t say that I agree. I’ve always … Continue reading

Does More Money Mean a Better Education?

Since Congress is changing hands from the GOP to the Dems in January of 2007, the NEA has its sights on what it sees as potential for change. NCLB* and the ESEA** are up for tweaking and renewal. The NEA also has a whole slew of other proposals that they want to see pushed through, such as giving educators additional tax breaks for the money they spend on their classrooms, initiatives to decrease the drop out rate, increase the graduation rate, increase funding for Title 1 programs, and improvement for their teacher’s salary packages (benefits, pensions etc.) What I read, … Continue reading

Why I Support School Choice Part 2

Yesterday I began to talk about school choice and various arguments for and against it. To quickly recap–I am in favor of school choice because I think it helps improve schools over all. Let’s keep looking at some more arguments. Tax funded vouchers would increase divisions between rich and poor, between different religions, and between different ethnic groups. I’m not sure how vouchers would increase division beyond what is already there. Furthermore, as I’ve previously pointed out, public school funding is not the issue when it comes to a good education. It should also be noted that school choice allows … Continue reading

Why I Support School Choice Part 1

If you are at all familiar with educational issues you know that this is a hot button. School choice is the idea that a parent has the right to choose their child’s school. Okay. . .no big deal. Until you start to take available resources and spread them around, theoretically diverting them from public schools. School choice does not just translate into a parent’s right to homeschool, or opt into a private school, but also includes charter schools, magnet schools, as well as school vouchers. After all, why should school choice be limited to those who can afford to pay … Continue reading