NationStates Jolt Archive

We need to do away with this system we have that awards schools that are already doing well with more funding. Schools that are doing well do not likely need more funding. Rather, we need to concentrate funding to schools that are having serious problems, so that better teachers, materials, and programs can be gotten for them. The current system leaves some schools getting more than adequate funding, while others founder, unable to cope. We need equality in our education funding system, rather than a system that seems designed to disenfranchise lower class youth.

Agreed, however, I think it's important to note that school funding is usually controlled by property values, those areas with higher values get more funding, then add those areas with a higher income also tend to have more active booster clubs to get even more funding.

Agreed, however, I think it's important to note that school funding is usually controlled by property values, those areas with higher values get more funding, then add those areas with a higher income also tend to have more active booster clubs to get even more funding.

Which is exactly the problem. Which is why the federal government should serve to even the playing feild

Which is exactly the problem. Which is why the federal government should serve to even the playing feild
However, that would mean a loss of control at the local level in areas such as curricula (given that federal money always comes attached with hooks, big, spikey, painful fishhooks).

However, that would mean a loss of control at the local level in areas such as curricula (given that federal money always comes attached with hooks, big, spikey, painful fishhooks).

At least there'd be books and a working fire alarm.

At least there'd be books and a working fire alarm.
True, but they could also be the books that whichever party had control over Congress decided that your school should have.

Rather, we need to concentrate funding to schools that are having serious problems, so that better teachers, materials, and programs can be gotten for them.

Question: where do these better teachers come from?

Question: where do these better teachers come from?
Well... When a Mommy and a Daddy love each other VERY much...

What?

Where did you THINK we came from? Secret vats hidden deep in the teacher's lounge?

Question: where do these better teachers come from?

Teacherland, of course.

In all seriousness, they flee the public schools to go to the better paying private schools (and upper-class public schools)

Teacherland, of course.

In all seriousness, they flee the public schools to go to the better paying private schools (and upper-class public schools)

So you are suggesting that the better paying private schools (and upper-class public schools) should get worse teachers?

Well... When a Mommy and a Daddy love each other VERY much...

What?

Where did you THINK we came from? Secret vats hidden deep in the teacher's lounge?

Hey, all I'm pointing out that there is by definition a finite supply of 'better' teachers. Throwing money at schools so that they can headhunt educators from elsewhere won't raise national standards, unless you also pay some attention to supporting teacher training - which is an entirely separate thing from what the OP suggests.

So you are suggesting that the better paying private schools (and upper-class public schools) should get worse teachers?

I'm saying that the playing field should be equal. That way, the best teachers are likely to be more spread out (and hopefully would come willingly to some of the worse schools in an effort to lift them up)

Hey, all I'm pointing out that there is by definition a finite supply of 'better' teachers. Throwing money at schools so that they can headhunt educators from elsewhere won't raise national standards, unless you also pay some attention to supporting teacher training - which is an entirely separate thing from what the OP suggests.
Indeed... But is was too good of a line to pass up, especially as I'm sure a number of my students would swear to the vat answer. ;)

Indeed... But is was too good of a line to pass up, especially as I'm sure a number of my students would swear to the vat answer. ;)

And here was me thinking that teachers were all just the ex-pupils too thick to be let out into the real world.

School systems have unnecessarily top-heavy bureaucracies. Gutting the administration and giving teachers more control over curricula would instantly free up a lot of revenue. Of course, easier said than done.

So you are suggesting that the better paying private schools (and upper-class public schools) should get worse teachers?

I'm suggesting the playing feild be leveled, yes.

Which is exactly the problem. Which is why the state government should serve to even the playing feild

Fixed to express my opinion on the matter. I trust my state government with money far more than I trust Uncle Sam with it. Of course people from many states won't feel that way, and justifiably so.

Any type of funding formula will no doubt be inherently flawed because the government has no basic concept of the amount of money public schools require to run effectively.

Any type of funding formula will no doubt be inherently flawed because the government has no basic concept of the amount of money public schools require to run effectively.

True, but we certainly know that some schools need MORE.

Well... When a Mommy and a Daddy love each other VERY much...

What?

Where did you THINK we came from? Secret vats hidden deep in the teacher's lounge?

I always thought teachers came from the fiery depths of Hell. :eek:

I'm kidding, of course, there's only two teachers I haven't liked (and I've had 29 over the last 9 years, because I've been on bloc schedules since 6th grade).

I think our education system will improve if we do something like go to Mars. I may sound crazy but if we send people to Mars a TON of money will be given to schools, teachers will be better paid (though they earn 47 grand in Virginia), cirriculum will be improved, experimental teaching techniques will cease to exist, and then us students will become good teachers.

Either that, or really really good doctors, nurses, scientists, etc. ;)