[Ohioan]

Your comments are, of course, apt. Any analysis of educational problems; of inequality of wealth; of differing levels of any type of achievement, that does not directly acknowledge that there is no real equality in any of the members of any advanced species, is fundamentally flawed.

No one reading this ever sat in a class-room, where his or her equal sat on either side, unless it was his or her twin or triplet! Whether the subject for comparison was academic, in general, physical in general; or confined to a particular discipline, a particular social attribute, etc., etc.; we all differ.

Now that does not mean that a good teacher cannot enhance performance; but that pursuit of enhancement must be directed at the unique personalities with which that teacher has to interact. That interaction, in turn, is an immediate, local interpersonal dynamic. Sweeping pronouncements by agenda seeking egalitarians contribute absolutely nothing worthwhile to a discussion of the process.

William Flax

[PapaBear3625]

One thing that would have an immediate effect, would be the abolition of teachers unions, followed by the abolition of "boards of education". Have there be a superintendent of schools, appointed by the mayor, with the ability to fire the principals of low-performing schools, with the principals in turn being able to fire low-performing teachers.

Accountability up and down the line. Which means the government employees will fight it to the bitter end.