Debating Failing Schools

Michigan Capitol Confidential ^ | 3/30/2010 | Michael Van Beek

[MichCapCon]

Are teachers unions to blame for failing schools?

This was the question debated last week on NPR's Intelligence Squared. At the beginning of the debate, less than half the audience believed teachers unions should be faulted for poor-performing schools, but by the close of the program, an astonishing 68 percent believed school employee unions contributed to the problem.

[stainlessbanner]

Excellent point - qualitative vs quantitive.

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

Not a problem at all - just wanted to make sure it went to the right person. ;^)

[Eagle of Liberty]

A lot of what teachers do is not completely quantifiable.

True, but given the choice to spend their own money, I'm sure a much better system could be developed whereas parents would be able to search out a good fit for their student. I also feel that there are many entrepreneurs that would LOVE the opportunity to open up schools all across the nation which BREAK from the current rigid standards.

For instance, I would love to start a school which is a wonderful mix of theory, application, experimentation and field trips.

[GenXteacher]

I’ve often thought about starting a school myself- the only problem I run across is that it not exactly a profitable idea, if the price were kept reasonable enough for the ordinary person to afford it. My feeling is that wages would have to be competitive in order to attract the best people- a practice that works in ordinary business well enough, but it would make getting off the ground pretty tough.

Education is really an odd foot to find a shoe for. It is not a business like stamping license plates. It is in some respects more like an art- you can see the results but what goes into it is nebulous.

[Eagle of Liberty]

Education is really an odd foot to find a shoe for. It is not a business like stamping license plates. It is in some respects more like an art- you can see the results but what goes into it is nebulous.

You are exactly right. It is really not a profitable thing and honestly, I don't think it should be. I think that it would be wonderful if successful conservatives would consider it more of an investment than a way to profit and would donate to K-12 institutions that cater to whatever talents particular individuals have, while still teaching the reading, math, science, and American History classes. It would be a great alternative to the Govt Run cookie cutter schools. My issues with today's classrooms is that they are almost MADE to be boring and the same. No creative thinking, no experimentation, not enough inclusion of the arts, science, music and sports.