Let's evaluate what we get for our education dollars

Sixty years ago classes were larger; teachers were treated with respect. There were few additional helpers in classrooms. Teachers can’t force knowledge into skulls. At best, all teachers do is inspire and guide students. Technology facilitates teachers handling larger class sizes by grading tests, preparing class materials, etcetera.

Why has there been a push to increase the number of teachers, and increase the expense of schools? More teachers = more in teachers’ unions = more money in union funds to donate to politicians, pay lawyers, and lobbyists = more laws to decrease class size? Smaller class sizes means more money required to build more classrooms.

Poor management of state timber sales = less money available to fund building schools, but more “green space.” What state laws need to change in order to lower the cost of building and operating schools?

Perhaps careful independent review of “public education” costs versus actual student learning and graduation rates is needed before we blindly vote for higher taxation. Perhaps there will be a movement toward charter schools, home schooling, and other methods of education that will impact the need for more school buildings. Emphasis on technical skills, morality, and respect will produce students who graduate from high school and then get employment, or be far better prepared for college.

Attempting to push every student into college is a disservice. Today’s technology increases the need for excellent technical trade skills. People with such training are often far more likely to get good jobs with living wage salaries, steady employment, and the ability to advance as they desire. They often demonstrate greater wisdom than some college graduates or professors.

Thomas Fancher

Moses Lake