grossly underfunded edumacation

[Piscator]

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

Teacher Unions are the #1 reason why, when I have kids, there is no way in hell I'm having them go to public schools.

Be careful with private schools too (just because a school is public, doesn't mean it isn't high quality). I went to both public and private schools (before going to College) and can say that the public school gave a better overall education than the private one (maybe just by experience). It is all in what you put into it. I firmly believe it is the teacher (and parents), not the school that makes the difference.

[justplugit]

Originally Posted by Piscator

It is all in what you put into it. I firmly believe it is the teacher (and parents), not the school that makes the difference.

And there in lies the truth. I would switch teacher/parent to parent/teacher
in importance though.
As I've mentioned in other posts, I taught for 4 years after I retired after working
32 years for a 500 company to give back some experience for the kids.
Trust me, ya gotta be there to understand the problems.

My Brother, a retired Navy Captain, is doing the same in the inner city schools
as well as my son who has taught 15 years.

They will get a turn out of 2-3 parents at back to school nights, if lucky.
There is little if any cooperation from parents, and no respect from students because
they are not being taught the right values at home.
Parents expect the teachers to do their job.

Until parents take the responsibility of being parents, teaching values and
respect at home and stay on top of their kids studies NOTHING will change
no matter how many $$$ are thrown against the wall.

[JohnnyD]

Originally Posted by Piscator

Be careful with private schools too (just because a school is public, doesn't mean it isn't high quality). I went to both public and private schools (before going to College) and can say that the public school gave a better overall education than the private one (maybe just by experience). It is all in what you put into it. I firmly believe it is the teacher (and parents), not the school that makes the difference.

Just like any business, there are good businesses and there are bad ones. People need to do their research to be sure the school is a good fit for their kids.

In a private school, bad teachers get fired (more precisely, their contract doesn't get renewed). I've done some freelance music instruction at a handful of schools, public and private, and have seen it. In a public school, bad teachers continue doing the minimum possible to keep their jobs, bitch and complain about the kids and the entire work environment is a "them vs. us" mentality - where "them" includes the town, superintendent, principal and the parents.

Teacher Unions have way too much leverage when it comes to the negotiation process. They bully the administrators to squeeze every penny out of them then cry poor mouth.

[justplugit]

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

In a private school, bad teachers get fired (more precisely, their contract doesn't get renewed).

Just as important, in the private schools the parents
care enough to spend the $$$ to educate their kids and stay involved, and when kids are disruptive or don't meet expectations of the school they are thrown out.
A lot more discipline.