Education Reform thread

[BmorePat87]

(09-22-2020, 04:38 PM)fredtoast Wrote: There is a very simple answer, but it would be very complicated to implement.  It would even require amending some state constitutions.  But schools should be ran by the state and equally funded per pupil.  There could be some adjustments for schools in large cities where higher property values make it more expensive to build a school than out in the country.  But this would be THE SINGLE BIGGETS POLICY that could start addressing the wealth/opportunity gap in this country.

It would really chap the asses of people in wealthy communities paying a lot of property tax, but can they really complain too loudly when they have been claiming all along that poor people have equal opportunity in this country?

Taking money away from public school to finance private schools is ridiculous.  There are going to be way too many kids left behind in public schools that will be much worse than they are now.

I can get on board with state funding versus local, though I'd recommend just an algorithm for determining funding based on different factors (COL, poverty rates, # of students w 504/IEP's, etc) rather than the flat rate, or a flat rate plus the additional algorithm. 

One issue this helps is school facilities/construction costs where you see wealth inequality. A big issue was Baltimore schools without heat and AC. The state gives them money but doesn't account for the fact that these schools need to be completely refitted to install the new systems. Schools then can't get the local funding to do it and in turn forfeit the state funding. Then they get blamed for not using the money. 

I'd also push for more community model schools, partnering up with the local government to determine the services needed in the community. Some communities may need more than others.

of course, the issue of poverty goes hand in hand with education and both need to be addressed.

(09-22-2020, 04:40 PM)fredtoast Wrote: Also need to make vocational schools an option for high school students that don't want to go to college.

I am pretty sure everyone will agree with this.

Agreed big time. I'd also like to see graduation track systems for kids who identify wanting to go vocational or through another program early on. Education needs to be personalized in that sense.