SCHOOLS: We must do better

In 1983, I read “A Nation At Risk” — A scathing report of our public schools. Since, I’ve tried to learn about the world of schools. In Russia, I saw little discipline with low expectations. Our son attended a German school — great focus and expectations. He also attended a British school for two years and became our family’s world-class writer.

I taught for a short time in China and realized that everything presented in class was seen again on an encompassing final exam that predicted university placement and life success. All Chinese schools were evaluated yearly. Headmasters and teaching staff kept their jobs based on that evaluation. Student meals and emotional needs were not the obsession of schools — academics were! Sadly, China probably sets the world’s academic standards today. In African schools — great kids with limited teacher academic experience.

Is academic adequacy found in Kootenai public schools? Typically not, except for that found in our Charter School. I taught for five years in a public school system in the later 1990s. My fellow teachers opted to not read articles about our failing public schools.

As here, teacher and student dress was sub-standard. As here, “stacking” of union selected insiders in positions of authority polluted districts. Districts here focus hysterically on more cash, not the future of kids.

Two solutions: An external audit of Kootenai County districts, and, install TV monitors to watch, listen and evaluate classes.

A big thank you to the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee (KCRCC) who are now focusing on our ongoing public education catastrophe.

RONALD DEADY

Post Falls