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SCHOOLS: Big issues to confront

| March 12, 2014 6:32 AM

I am writing in response to the My Turn column by Ronald Deady on 3-1-14. I will concede that there are always improvements that can be done to improve the delivery of education. I do not think it is in total meltdown. It is much more complex than just the schools. Usually it is always a ploy for more money. All they ever say is Idaho is number 48 in support of schools, i.e. money spent. This is only one measure, and not a good one at that.

New York spends three times the money per student that is spent in Idaho, yet Idaho has a better graduation rate. Idaho is better than New York, and other high spending states, in several other areas as well. All I ever hear is that we need to support the schools in every state I have lived in as none seem to be able to do the job with what they have. Education is almost always at or near the top expense of these state budgets. Even Lotto receipts have not resolved this problem.

It is rarely mentioned that the teachers’ unions are a huge barrier to the educational process, as their primary function seems to be power and to protect bad teachers, including those who use heroin on the job. The breakdown of the family is rarely mentioned. It is rarely mentioned that more of our curriculums and money are under central control via the U.S. Department of Education. Local school districts and states seem all too willing to give this control away for a few federal dollars.

This brings us to Common Core, and there are a lot of concerns. The Press has already stated that anybody who expresses these concerns is some type of conspiratorial, right wing nut. I have many concerns, and am aware of many others with concerns, including states that have withdrawn because of these concerns. Now is the time to explore this huge, all-encompassing curriculum that not only makes math impossible, but has a very significant political indoctrination aspect. All these need to be explored.

As stated, Idaho’s high school graduation rate is good compared to other states, but it is stated that these students either do not attend college or fail to complete college. I think the bigger question is whether college is meeting the needs of these students by providing majors that are relevant to the economy of the future. Many come out in debt with degrees that are not in demand.  If colleges are so confident that they are providing relevant majors and admitting truly qualified students, then they should provide the loans to these students, not the federal government, and expect repayment from the jobs that they assure these students they will have when they finish.

GARY HOURIGAN

Rathdrum