>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...

Undoubtedly, that's another item that varies by locale. In the best systems, the parent organization (which isn't always a member of the national PTA) is considered a partner by the administration and teachers and doesn't abuse that situation.

Tamar