From every political platform, be it local, state or federal, we hear politicians assuring their constitutients that education is fundamental to the safety and health of our naion. It sounds wonderful -- until we see what is actually happening.
    I was a university educator for 42 years; I saw students coming into their first year with a wide range of academic skills. Many of my students left my school after four years on their way to medical school, dental school, Ph.D. programs in cancer research, etc. But I didn't have to train these wonderful kids in writing and oral communication and creative thinking skills -- they came into my classes with the results of twelve years of schooling given to them by, for the most part, dedicated teachers.
    Now, and speaking only for the situation in Ohio (but true in many other states being run by fiscal demagouges)this system of education is being destroyed by the removal of the rights of teachers to use collective bargining.
    I just had a desparte phone call from my son -- an outstanding (OK, I'm a bit prejudice) social science teacher in a large city high school. They were just told by their district that the promised pay increase over the next two years of their contracts are null and void -- but -- they have a choice! They can agree to this and have 30 teachers laid off or they can fight it and have 70 removed. In all likelihood, they will have to increase their health benefits by 20% from their own pockets (which will be impossible for my son with two special needs sons being home schooled).
    There are a hell of a lot of misconceptions flying around these days. For example, "government employees have it much easier with their 'cushy' pensions, etc." No -- in order to become a teacher you have to have a four-year degree to begin with -- most new teachers from my school went out into the work force with heavy student loans. Then, most states require a Masters Degree within five years -- more expenses. The vast majority of teachers must work summer jobs (if they can find them)in non-educational areas (say fast food restaurants, community parks and summer camps).
    Teachers are professionals, but they are not treated in such a way. Their salaries are far below those of other professionals. They are expected to do what parents, administrators, school boards and the government won't or can't do -- turn classrooms with far too many kids in them into well-behaved, well-mannnered automatons who have the ability to get a job.
    I agree totally that there is deadwood in many systems -- teachers who were given tenure either when they were not derserving of it or, in many cases, when they have simply been beaten down over the years by the lack of support from the non-teaching adults around them.
    The answer to the fiscal problems is not to cut funding to schools, but to increase it (although the Governor's budget does not come out until tomorrow, it is rumored that cuts to school discricts will range from 10-40%).
    Our country needs a populace well-schooled and competent in communication, the sciences and the arts. If Ohio does away with the rights of fair bargining and the destruction of teacher unions and replaces it with a system where education is run by politicians (see the disaster of 'no child left behind,), I fear for what will happen. Ohio has lost 500,000 jobs; if I were a young teacher, I certainly would not stay in in a state that has not heeded the call of our nation by putting more funding into sciece, math and technology.
    Thanks for letting me vent! -- bob --

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We generally don't allow Guests to start non-music threads. Bob is a registered member, so I'll let it go. Bob, it you have trouble logging in, let me know.
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