The latest data shows our Country is ranked 25th in math, reading and science. Yet we are one of the highest in providing dollars per student for education.
The retiring Department of Education Secretary commented on the ranking, saying, “Yes I know that.” Wonderful, but no answers on what to do. What is our hubris president solution? We’ll stop testing, we don’t like the results.
Our national education system is a failure.
I’m sure there are many teachers who are horrified by the directions they receive from their leaders, such as: What, how and when to teach.
Local school boards have prostituted themselves by accepting the government’s money. They are not in control, so they have a title but not the courage to act to provide students a life-sustainable education.
They are hostages of the teachers’ unions, to hold our system in a failing status quo. Shameful behavior.
As a Plains Indian Chief said, “When you take the Government fatted bacon, you lose your freedom.” Some schools may argue, ‘We are better.’ So… you are one of the better looking horses in the slaughter house.
Our schools are producing too many students who are not prepared to be functional in the 21st Century. Our government-managed education system is still centered on a system based on the early 20th Century mindset. For sure, there are and always will be, those in school that excel, with or without the aid of a formal education. Many times our current system inhibits this growth, as it strives for mediocrity. One has only to look at Grays Harbor Community College courses; many of those just repeat high school offerings.
I’m sure some will say we don’t pay our teachers enough. Well, let’s see: According to the Employment Security Division and South Bend School District: By contract, teachers work 182 days/yr. 6hrs/day or 1,092 hrs./yr. base salary averages for Pacific County teachers is $61,298 ($56.13/hr.). This does not include any benefits, which add another approximate 40%.
For the non-government people who support the school system, their work year is just over 2,000 hrs. The mean salary in Pacific County for non-government workers is about $42,000, not including benefits.
Well, working about 50% less time and getting paid 45% more, what do you think?
If this was producing a quality education, for sure it would be wonderful, but it’s not. Too many of our students will be forced into a dependence welfare system because Our National Education System is a failure.
Americans are not stupid, but our education system is.
Ron Craig is a South Bend resident.