Stupid In America

John Stossel did a special on television entitled Stupid In America showing the utter chaos of our educational system.  He blames the spiriling downward on teacher's unions.  Unions won't allow for bad teachers to be fired.  One of the heads of a union was asked about the dismal test scores in his district and he responded, "I know my kids are learning when I look into their eyes."

The problem with leftist agendas is they are based upon feelings instead of reason.  They worry about the teacher who may get fired and how that teacher would provide for themself.  Instead, they should be worrying about the students who are not getting a good education.

I worked as a teacher in the Los Angeles School District.  It was in an area where all or most of the children recieved free breakfasts, lunches, and most were on welfare.  There were some bad teachers at that school who admitted they only stayed for the financial benefits.  There were also some amazing teachers who truly loved the children and did a fabulous job.

Tenure doesn't seem right to me.  No other job allows you to stay working for them if you are a bad worker.  Competition is good.  It forces schools to get better.  This is being proven by charter schools.

Teachers can be fired at charter schools.  If the children misbehave, they get in trouble.  Many children want into the charter schools because the children love learning and the tests scores are high, even in underpriveleged areas.

Unions hate charter schools.  Many political leaders don't like charter schools even though these same leaders have the choice to send their children to private schools.  Unions have a stronghold on education and it is not good.

Did you know that a lot of teachers make more than nurses and accountants?   I know several who make over $100,000 a year.  I don't mind teachers making good money, but I don't think bad teachers should make good money.

Private schools are educating children on a third of what public schools educate them.  All the money the public schools are getting is going to the beaurocracy, not supplies and books.  It is disfunctional with no lack of accountability. 

I didn't join the union when I taught.  Ken didn't want me to because they support things that I don't support.  Yes, unions have done some good things but I think the bad is far outweighing the good when they look out more for the welfare of the beaurocracy and teachers instead of the students.

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice:

but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

Proverbs 29:2