Modern public (government school) education appears to be
failing our kids. Too many young people come out of our government schools
knowing less than generations past. The computer age has given each student a
better chance at learning than in the past. But still we have under-educated children
graduating to under-educating colleges and universities!
According to a recent CATO study, The Effects of Teachers
Unions on American Education by Andrew J. Coulson, we cannot blame crowded
schools for this shortcoming. The fact is that the pupil-staff ratio has
dropped sharply over the last few decades. In 1960 there were roughly 18
students to 1 staff member. By 2009 the numbers were down to an estimated 8 to
1 ratio. Today, each student gets more attention in a classroom than many of us
did in the late 20th century.
The same study shows that by 2009 public schools had control of nearly $600 billion
in annual federal education funding. That money helps keep schools functioning
at a “reasonable” rate. Teachers’ unions have been the benefactors of this
government education spending. To keep the money flowing, teachers’ unions
lobby elected officials to maintain their cartel. Unions use lobbying tactics
to also badger politicians to vote against policies such as charter schools,
voucher programs, and education tax credits that could give parents and
students easier access to nonunion schooling.
I have given you a short ride on the student-teacher-money
train. So, where am I going with this you may ask? Well, I am presenting you
with food for thought. Today, public schools have fewer students per staff
member to educate. Today, public schools have a grip on more and more taxpayer
money…with possible fewer choices. Yet, our kids and grandkids graduate less
educated than before. That is my opinion…so think about it!
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