10-17-2009, 07:36 AM
I agree with Rob that propping up government institutions that were inefficient and/or failing before the current economic crisis makes no sense. Top to bottom reform should come first, at which point the need for additional funding will probably be moot. It is easy to call for a tax increase to bail out the schools, but it won't solve the real problems of a broken system and a population which largely does not give a damn about education. Ask any teacher about the general level of parental participation and support they get here in Hawaii, and see what they say.
I personally think that a large majority of the teachers really do the best they can under the circumstances. I just wish they would take a hard look at their union leadership. The union joined with the DOE administration to approve a furlough calendar which retained a number (six, at least) of planning and meeting days at the expense of instruction days. What does that tell you about their priorities?
I personally think that a large majority of the teachers really do the best they can under the circumstances. I just wish they would take a hard look at their union leadership. The union joined with the DOE administration to approve a furlough calendar which retained a number (six, at least) of planning and meeting days at the expense of instruction days. What does that tell you about their priorities?