Of course you are correct - my point in these two cases is that in PA, these entire school districts were taken over by the state for non-performance (80% of kids tested at a basic or below level). That is more than anecdotal - it's fact, if you believe the standardized tests. Oh, but then you'd have to read about it, not just get involved yourself - your logic.
Yes, in Philly you have Masterman and Girls High and a few others, but even there the curriculum is mandated by the state and the teachers still belong to the NEA - they still teach socialism and group think, just at an accelerated level. :)
Ever look at the IB (International Baccalaureate) program that is all the rage in many high-achieving schools, in some cases supplanting AP classes ? Who approves that curriculum ? It's sponsored by the United Nations - need I say more ? You want your child taught one world government, pro international courts, radical environmentalism, socialism, pro-homosexual, anti-family ? Kids in the IB curriculum represent the best and brightest of this nation, and what they are being taught undermines everything that has made this nation great.
Oops, sorry, I asked you to read something else.
"were taken over by the state for non-performance"
A nearby TX school was taken over not only for non-performance, but the school is broke due to mismanagement.
In a similar vein it has been shown that several schools probably cheated on statewide test. Several schools out of many thousand does not make the whole system bad.
I'm puzzled, where have I led you to believe I don't read? I dare say I read quite a bit more than most.
"Ever look at the IB (International Baccalaureate)"
If you don't like it, don't let your kids participate. Seems simple enough.
"That is more than anecdotal" Did you know PA has more Nat'l Merit Scholars than some other comparable size states in spite of your anecdotal experience?
"It's sponsored by the United Nations"
It's also sponsored by the US.