I hate to add to the list of problems, but I probably should not neglect that one of the biggest problems is actually the PTA. It is filled with uneducated parents making education decisions for their children (and everyone elses). The ideas they bring forth and push and push until they get a consensus amaze me. I realize that parents are the ultimate decision makers for their children, but when it comes to education, I really feel that those with an education should have a stronger voice...



>There was just an article in the NY Times yesterday about the shortage of qualified teachers getting even worse now with boomer-age teachers beginning to retire. It said the problem is worst in (surprise) math and the sciences. Schools are having to offer bonuses just to find a certified math teacher.
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>>It has to begin with qualified teachers. I haven't met very many of those here in the South. Following that, there needs to be a good system in place. I haven't seen that either. Those few qualified teachers get frustrated with the system that's in place. Oh, no, I better not get started...
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>>>>The schools have ceded authority over to the kids. That is the main reason we home schooled our son, and our daughter in her last year of high school It also helped that my wife was a retired teacher. I would hate to think one of my kids had to attend public school today. If they ever go back to disciplining the miscreants, they can probably regain some hope. Until then, fahgetaboutit.
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>>>Like many others do about schools, you're overgeneralizing. It's entirely possible that the public schools where you live are doing a bad job, but there are plenty of us out here who know that's not true everywhere. Based both on my own kids' experiences and on those of their college friends, I know there are lots of public schools that are providing a quality education.
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>>>If that's not true where you live, get involved. Schools are much better when parents are actively involved.
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>>>Tamar