[Amerigomag]

There are 4 major problems in the California public school system which are easily correctable. The teachers are not one of them. Listed in order of deleterious significance are:

1) The students, their attitudes about and their preparation for formal education
2) The State of California - its pervasive involvement in curricula, grading and discipline.
3) The closed shop aspects of state employment in public schools.
4) Removal of the control of educational funding from the local level.

Correct these problems and the due process protections (tenure/permanency) of state employment will become a minor matter.

[USISRIGHT]

I would add a number 5 to your list...No Child Left Behind, the most intrusive, poorly thought out educational deformity ever implemented by the federal government. And this from a "conservative" administration. The irony of it all is astounding.