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Politics : Piffer Thread on Political Rantings and Ravings -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Alan Smithee who wrote (8120)	6/26/2002 10:37:44 PM
From: Augustus Gloop	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 14610

TO SteveAllen Message 17660169 <You are either incredibly naive, ignorant or warped to hold such beliefs as they are without basis of any discernable facts> Well........I don't agree but that's ok. I grew up in a house where my father was both Business Administrator and Superintendent of the Public School system (not at the same time). This gave me an opportunity to see how the system operated at a fairly young age. While my opinions may be slanted towards a more conservative view they are based on my experience in my home. Ironically, someone of your political persuasion should be quite pleased by the reality of the situation, which is that the vast majority of schools are as conservative, if not more so, then the communities in which they are located. Again - My experience is quite different. I live in Madison Wisconsin and the schools are just as liberal as the community. While I don't think the quality of education is bad I do think that teachers tend to teach subjects with a political agenda around here. Personally I don't think its their place to impose their views on our kids. While not ALL teachers do this....some do and it pisses me off. We pay them to teach subjects not to slant opinions based on their personal beliefs. If you'd like to educate yourself on that subject, I'd suggest you read "The One Best System, by David Tyak, a professor at Stanford, which historically traces how the public school system emerged to fit the corporate model of America. I haven't read the book. I'll refrain from firing back WRT the "educate yourself" remark. There are indeed many problems in our schools but not enough tradition and/or desire for unity simply are not the issues at hand. I never implied they were the only issues nor are they as pressing as many other issues. However, just because they aren't as pressing doesn't mean we should watch them accept something like today's verdict. Personally, I'd be looking at class size Class size is a major issue and must be addressed. One way that I would address it would be the removal of kids from the system that currently have special needs. I don't think the public Schools can wear the number of hats that they are being asked to wear. The system was designed to meet the needs of the many. Once we started to add responsibilities that were outside of its ability we started to sap the system of resources. Lets just be honest - not all kids fit the system and we can't be all things to all people. The cost is a burden on the system and the ultimate cost comes at the expense of our kids quality of education. poor facilities There is only so much money. Quality teachers can teach in a cave if they must. Now that's not what I want but I don't think building a palace would make a difference. The bottom line is quality teachers having QUALITY KIDS to teach. THERE is your issue my friend! Kids are coming from homes today where there is no supervision, no respect, no values, no religion and no discipline! That makes your job more like that of a warden and that isn't fair! Public schools were never meant to teach values and morals nor were they counting on having to spend 75% of their time on discipline. Its time for parents to put down the remote control and take an active interest in their kids education. lousy I never understand this argument. First of all...when you decided to go into education you knew the pay sucked. Certainly people as well educated and brilliant as the average teacher have so much to offer that they can land another job. I know if my pay was an issue I would seek other employment. Also.....the pay isn't that bad for a 9 month job. Now....I don't want to hear about how you grade papers or work at night...most people with year round jobs do the same thing. inadequate supervision and evaluation techniques I totally agree. I think teachers need to be more closely watched and supervised. This way we can make sure they are working for their kids and not just putting in their time In any case, most of what goes on in public schools is dictated by your state legislators, and your local school board - If you really care about these matters I implore you to be a patriotic American and get involved on those levels, rather than spouting disparaging nonsense Steve - LOL!! I bet I have been to more board meetings since I was 10 than you have in your entire career. My dad thought it was important for my brothers and sister to see how the system worked. Since then I have had to attend as I do much work with the 403b plans that teachers use a retirement vehicles. If you fund yours well....between that and the 10.5 - 13% of gross that most states put away in STRS (State Teachers Retirement System) I think you will be surprised at how well you can retire.