It's a good question. If I had to guess, it's because there's no real repercussion for subpar performance. In the private sector companies go out of business; not so in education.
I also think it's easy to make excuses about the fact that public schools can't control their input; they have to take whatever kids walk in the door.
Let me tell you about my daughter. She earned three degrees in 5 years, played basketball for Ohio State, and was a 4 year Big 10 Scholar Athlete. She is now happily married to the man of her dreams. She has morals, values, and is a staunch Republican. AND SHE IS A TEACHER.
Sadly, she is most probably getting out of the profession soon. She teaches HS Math in an urban school, and has gone through alot in the last 2 years. The worst was getting punched in the face by a female student last year.
As we were talking on the phone tonight, her call waiting beeped in with a message from the NEA about voting for Kerry. She was furious. She is held hostage by her union, having to pay the 900 annual dues, whether she chooses to join or not. And some of her hard earned money is going into the Kerry campaign.
I don't mean to ramble, but I guess I just want to make the point that it's time for any parent who has a child in the public school system to speak out. There are some really good, hard working, Conservative teachers out there. Maybe not for long though, if things go on as they are.