The main problem with keeping the Federal government out of education is the huge disparity among local governments in terms of what resources they can apply to education. I know that “distribute the wealth” is considered an evil concept in some circles, but without some way to make sure that kids in poor areas have the same chance at a decent education that kids in wealthy area enjoy, we’d be doing a disservice to children everywhere. Add to that the tendency of isolated local governments to “go their own way” in matters of science, technology, and social issues, and you’d have a formula for breeding discrimination and ignorance on a massive scale.

It ain’t perfect, but it’s the best we’ve been able to come up with, so far.

On the other hand, thanks for being nice after I blew off some steam. I am also not happy with how the Federal Government made a larger mess out of education. In fact I am outraged about it. Do you think the education system might be better if the Federal Government totally got out of it? Just left it up to state and local government to oversee it? I suppose there are pros and cons either way.

I’m not surprised to hear that you supported the referendum. I think you really want to be on the right side of things. I’m sorry you had a tough time in school, but that’s not reason to harbor any ill will towards today’s schools. As a teacher, I, too, expect better results, and strive to achieve them with every student.

I’m glad you brought up one of the key factors for success — parental involvement! I hope you can spread that lesson, so hard-learned, to others.

I hold a grudge against Public schools because of horror stories from my childhood. To this day I have flashbacks and my life is affected by it in a negative way. I hope and prey that no child has to go through with what happened with me. I didn’t grow up in Elcho. Elcho was not the blame. The problem wasn’t entirely school. I also blame my parents for not becoming more involved. You would be surprised to know I did support the last referendum. I am not expecting perfection, but I expect better results. You are correct Elcho should not sugarcoat the grades like other cities do. If students with good grades end up failing College exams, that opens another can of worms.

Be afraid, “simplemind”, be very afraid. For I deal with these little labeled pawns, down in the ditches, on the front line, as one of those nasty, government-paid teachers. Your tax money helps me devote my time and energies to shaping their morals and minds, so they can protect themselves from the inept analysis and faulty reasoning folks like you spew at them.

Bottom line is the number one concern for any business these days. A school is a business. Our children are being used as pawns. They are quick to get labeled. More labeling, more Government funding. There should be no reason these students are receiving F’s.. A class of 20 children has a teacher, a few teacher’s aids, and a Title One Teacher. Its different than the days when ONE teacher does everything. The point I am making everything the Government touches turns to do-do. Also, our Children in the Public School system are being brainwashed into beliveing Liberalism and Socialism is the answer to our problems.. George Bush was a Liberal in many ways incluing education. Liberal programs never work.

Another option, followed by a number of Texas school districts inspired by the Bush “No Child Left Behind” fiasco, is to simply fudge a bit on the grades, and don’t hand out any “F’s”. That would seem to solve your complaint about spending tax dollars on schools where students are allowed to received admonitory “F’s”, wouldn’t it?

Of course, that’s not a particularly intelligent solution, but that criticism would seem not to disqualify it from your consideration.

Nice to know our tax dollars went to a school where almost half of the High School enrollment has at least one “F” this Quarter.

“*** Attention 7-12 Students
Yesterday I went through Power School to check all of your grades. Fifty-eight students are currently earning 1 or more F(s). Please keep in mind that 1st semester grades earn credits and you will be really hurting yourself if you do not pass your classes. See your teachers, or me, Mrs. Jacobs if you need some help.”

Instead of hijacking a thread.. I’ll sort of get back on topic.. Elcho School has taken advantage of just about every Bush grant available. Now there are rumors programs like “reading first” is bankrupt and this very well could be the last year funding is available. Grants for Teacher’s Aids, Title 1, were all beefed up under Bush.. They are all under threat to be squashed or severely limited under this administration. We not talking about a few bucks here and there. Elcho will probably need another Referendum again within the next year or two.

Maybe the Democrats have better ideas, and more grants to replace those that will be dropped. Congress only has another year to prove themselves otherwise they will be voted out.. The other evil party takes over. With an approval rating of 26% its going to happen. We are going to be deadlocked with a Republican Congress and a Democrat President. So whatever doesn’t get finished in 2010, will likely sit until 2013. I try to remain positive.. But Public Schools and Homeschooling seems to be a much better option for education these days.

Here’s the homework you missed in school –
http://attitudeadjustment.tripod.com/Books/Logic.htm

I doubt that I will be responding to your diatribe monologues in the future. It would be like trying to have a civil discussion with Rush Limbaugh.