Well I guess we'd have to define "instant"... but eliminating the US Department of Education would be most of the battle. USDOE's main purpose is to reallocate funds based on whatever political pet project has the day. This year, it's "No Child Left Behind".
If the funds were never collected in the first place, States wouldn't have to do stupid things to get the money back... they could just do what they think is right (ie NOT what fed says they must do).
I do agree that the 2nd phase of my modest proposal would take more (much more) time.
It would be hard to convince some folks that paying out of pocket for at least a portion of education would simultaneously give them 1000% more say in what schools do AND improve the overall quality of education (due to parent control).
Again, JMHO. But I do know a lot about public schools with respect to the incongruencies they face. "Do we do what's right, or what'll keep us out of trouble?". Sadly, many choose to saty out of trouble (keep their jobs) to the detriment of education.
It's one of the main reasons people leaved public education (there are others tobe sure, but this one is big). People get into education, generally speaking, to help students. When they find out that they are actually prevented from doing so, many leave for greener pastures. Do you blame 'em?
"No Child Left Behind" will have the same effect. It won't help any student at all. It will, however, give politicians some stumping sound bites and push even more quality, capable individuals out of the business of helping students.
I know there are a lot here who instanlty reject anything positive about teachers. My bet is they aren't a teacher, don't know one, and that they are not at all involved in their community's public education program. If otherwise, they would know that it is the UNION that's the problem. Teachers aren't the bad guys... of course every segment of the populaton has its wackos, and I'm sure teaching is no exception. But it is not the case in my community that teachers are all lefty/commie/union supporters. The majority in my community are republican in their view son education - because teachers want choice. Unions don't want choice, teachers do.
BTW what are you doing up so early? And what's your take on the national retail sales tax now that the flat income tax is no longer the lead horse?