10-14-2009, 03:32 PM
Lots of myths and unchallenged assumptions flying around:
Myth 1: Cutting waste and cutting pay is the same thing. WRONG. Good teachers should be paid more; bad teachers let go along with the multitude of non-value-added staffers and unnecessary CRAP that burden the system.
Myth 2: Increasing revenues necessarily means quality improves. Wrong again. Especially when you're throwing money at an entity that doesn't have a true "competitor" to keep it lean. Hell, the only "competitors" they have are the Charter schools and they are trying very hard to destroy them. (Not to mention a corrupt union pretending to have our children's best interest at heart). Trust me, the DOE will find many creative ways to waste our tax dollars.
Myth 3: Quantity equals quality. Not necessarily...although I AGREE that kids need as many days in school as possible; but it's kind of meaningless unless we raise the quality of our teachers and school content. (Not bashing teachers; I know many dedicated professionals...but also have seen many who are an embarrassment.)
Myth 4: Throwing the burden of responsibility at the DOE will solve our problems. No matter how much we might wish it to be so, relinquishing responsibility will not yield the desired result of giving our children a proper education. I personally wouldn't trust the DOE to take my garbage to the dump...
While I agree and sympathize with Kathy's points, the problem will never be solved without focusing on systems, processes and (ugh) politics. Root causes MUST be addressed, including changing a local culture that, on the whole, doesn't seem to care much about education. It won't happen overnight, but we (who value education) can be part of the solution. (See below for HOW.)
Where do my "crazy" assumptions come from? I ran a factory for many years and worked with world class companies (Toyota, Honda, et al). While our competitors were throwing money at fancy-schmancy equipment and focusing on increasing revenues, we quietly cut costs, focused on mastering the basics and developing our people, and cultivated repeat business from customers who shared our values. Many of my former competitors are out of business, victims of the false myths they embraced without question.
For those who insist we need to raise taxes, consider this idea as an alternative: go write a personal check to your local charter school; I promise you it'll go much farther than throwing it into the DOE black hole. (Btw, that's exactly what we've done this year and we plan to continue doing it, even though our child already graduated.)
The problem is, it's much easier said than done. But if we don't get vocal with our politicians, if we don't take responsibility for changing the system, if we don't volunteer to help these kids raise their own aspirations for a better life, then all we're doing is complaining. JMHO.
Myth 1: Cutting waste and cutting pay is the same thing. WRONG. Good teachers should be paid more; bad teachers let go along with the multitude of non-value-added staffers and unnecessary CRAP that burden the system.
Myth 2: Increasing revenues necessarily means quality improves. Wrong again. Especially when you're throwing money at an entity that doesn't have a true "competitor" to keep it lean. Hell, the only "competitors" they have are the Charter schools and they are trying very hard to destroy them. (Not to mention a corrupt union pretending to have our children's best interest at heart). Trust me, the DOE will find many creative ways to waste our tax dollars.
Myth 3: Quantity equals quality. Not necessarily...although I AGREE that kids need as many days in school as possible; but it's kind of meaningless unless we raise the quality of our teachers and school content. (Not bashing teachers; I know many dedicated professionals...but also have seen many who are an embarrassment.)
Myth 4: Throwing the burden of responsibility at the DOE will solve our problems. No matter how much we might wish it to be so, relinquishing responsibility will not yield the desired result of giving our children a proper education. I personally wouldn't trust the DOE to take my garbage to the dump...
While I agree and sympathize with Kathy's points, the problem will never be solved without focusing on systems, processes and (ugh) politics. Root causes MUST be addressed, including changing a local culture that, on the whole, doesn't seem to care much about education. It won't happen overnight, but we (who value education) can be part of the solution. (See below for HOW.)
Where do my "crazy" assumptions come from? I ran a factory for many years and worked with world class companies (Toyota, Honda, et al). While our competitors were throwing money at fancy-schmancy equipment and focusing on increasing revenues, we quietly cut costs, focused on mastering the basics and developing our people, and cultivated repeat business from customers who shared our values. Many of my former competitors are out of business, victims of the false myths they embraced without question.
For those who insist we need to raise taxes, consider this idea as an alternative: go write a personal check to your local charter school; I promise you it'll go much farther than throwing it into the DOE black hole. (Btw, that's exactly what we've done this year and we plan to continue doing it, even though our child already graduated.)
The problem is, it's much easier said than done. But if we don't get vocal with our politicians, if we don't take responsibility for changing the system, if we don't volunteer to help these kids raise their own aspirations for a better life, then all we're doing is complaining. JMHO.
Tim
A superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions--Confucius
A superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions--Confucius