[NoMoSno]

Originally Posted by jimjamuser

In Florida, an ex-G.I. without a degree can teach

Not true.
do florida schools require a degree to teach - Google Search

[manaboutown]

Do you think the influx of immigrants in the New Mexico schools who are testing and graduating are included in the statistics may be part of the reason New Mexico's numbers are so low?
Not being sarcastic or xenophobic, just wondering if that may be a factor...

New Mexico is a border state but so are California, Arizona and Texas which had 30-31% reading competently at grade level vs. NM's 21%. While I do not know I am under the impression CA and TX receive a far greater number of immigrants as a percentage of their populations than does NM so the burden on them is likely greater.

I recall speaking with an Albuquerque assistant middle school vice principal 30 years ago. Her school was in a historically low income area, heavily hispanic, but native-born descendants of settlers from Spain during the 16th and 17th centuries, not immigrant hispanic. When I asked her how many of the children in her school came from two parent households she could not name one. Many if not most did not even live with a single parent but with grandparents, an older brother or sister, aunt or uncle. It was a good thing I was sitting down as I was shocked.

Multiple factors are driving the decline IMHO. The breakdown of family is just one. In 1958-1959 I took a HS US history course from a mediocre at best teacher. We were assigned homework in the form of a chapter to read from the textbook. Nothing to write so he would not have to review and grade paperwork. Then in class he would simply read the material we were assigned from the textbook, no Q&A, no discussion. At the beginning of the year he announced it did not matter which political party our parents belonged to as by the end of the school year we would all be _____________(fill in the blank). Midyear he proudly announced that a teachers' union had been formed and he had been an initiator of it.

A huge problem is that children are no long taught the three Rs. That is why test results are so abysmal. Instead, teaching time is spent indoctrinating cultish beliefs into tender young minds - and much worse as we all know.

The quality of many of today's teachers appalls me. They can't read, write or do arithmetic themselves.

Then the social media and illicit drugs play a part. sigh.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by NoMoSno

Not true.
do florida schools require a degree to teach - Google Search

Wrong link. Try this one and note the bolded phrase in the very first paragraph.

[MaryMS]

Schools are ruled by School Boards of Education. Many Board members have little knowledge about education, but lots of political opinions about it. .

[Pugchief]

Originally Posted by jimjamuser

Nowhere are the Teacher Unions powerful enough to affect even a tiny part of a city's business. Maybe in Europe, but I doubt it.

LOL, you are sooo wrong.
Read this: Wall Street Journal

And now the new mayor is a former CTU member.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by jimjamuser

Many school board members are elected specifically to keep the taxes for big property owners DOWN.

That's interesting, please share the reference used for that statement.

[NoMoSno]

Originally Posted by Bill14564

Wrong link. Try this one and note the bolded phrase in the very first paragraph.

Read further:
"They must also earn their bachelor’s degree during the 5-year period"

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by NoMoSno

Read further:
"They must also earn their bachelor’s degree during the 5-year period"

Eventually they will need a degree to continue teaching, or they can quit. But in those first few years, in Florida an ex-G.I. without a degree can teach.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by jimjamuser

The school librarian should decide what books are appropriate, not the state.

Baloney, parents should decide what provocative reading material shall be available to their children at what age.

And some wonder why parents are fleeing public schools with their children to seek private schooling for them.

That mantra sounds great until the wonderful librarian has a gripe or political view to push and it's not at all what you would like. You'd be in a different frame of mind at that point.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by jimjamuser

Teaching is a LOW paying occupation. At least, the Unions give them stability. The problem with US public schools is that their expenses are paid for and therefore tied to PROPERTY TAXES. Which rich property owners desire to keep low for their greed and benefit. They could care less if GOOD quality education would improve American life in general. They see only THEMSELVES as important.

Guess you forgot about billions lotteries being into public education. NO lottery money should be going to collages, trade schools yes, cause they actually produce a skill level. Did lottery billions make different? Guess not.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by jasamy2

Sadly, I agree 100%. Overindulgence of this generation of kids will hurt them more than the parents realize. How can kids understand they will have to work hard for anything they want as adults if everything comes so easily now?

Another problems are, can’t stay of social media, video games, and majority have no responsibility.

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

Or another way to look at it.

You can decide what your child can or cannot read but…..you cannot decide for my child.

Public libraries are everywhere as well as book stores. Parents can have their children read whatever they wish... Just not while in the classroom...

Problem (for you) solved...

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by Aces4

Or another way to look at it: you cannot provide provocative material to your child in a public situation which exposes everyone else's child to the said material. You are welcome to expose your child to it at home, on your computer or at the public library, If you feel your child needs to be fed said material prior to the age of 18, go crazy... you won't be stopped.

Now wasn't that simple?

So then you agree that the Holy Bible, both old and new testament, should not be made available in any public school. Also make sure the Star Spangled Banner is never sung in any public school - that's a lot of talk about violence - bombs bursting in air - talk about provocative, amirite?

OR

Teach children critical thinking. So you don't have to nanny-state their widdle minds when they should be learning things.

[Pairadocs]

Originally Posted by villager7591

Reading, writing and arithmetic should be the focus...not which pronoun to use, gender reassignment, etc.

Gradual decline, extremely complex, no easy, quick, solution. Any of the following could help, but would not cure: ban cell phones from classrooms for both teachers and students (some will come back with how teachers MUST be able to communicate with their own children, spouses or partners, but honestly there was a way once they let a classroom teachers know if there was an emergency in his/her own family. Would be very unpopular, but the old system of truant officers who found wayward students and delivered them to their classrooms did at least expose them to education. With no cell phone to entertain them, eventually they might even join in a class discussion/lesson. FINES for parents who make no effort to enforce the mandatory attendance rules HABITUALLY (not try to fine every parent whose child skipped school once) fail to cooperate. Perhaps make 12 years of public education MANDATORY would significantly raise the literacy rate of the entire country. No drops out under age of 18 would be another. No driver's licenses issues to those who are under 18 and have NOT finished the mandatory education requirement. Restoring classes such as metal shop, wood shop, auto mechanics, business, commercial food preparation, or similar in high school rather than "hope" students will go to community college or trade school ? REQUIRED community service projects for all high school students, their choice, but volunteer hours that count as a class and allow students to gradually develop the self-esteem so many lack, by contributing to society. In most cases I believe uniformity of dress makes a contribution to the learning environment, there are literally hundreds of steps that don't increase costs (other than truant officers added to local authorities) that could begin to build an outstanding public education system.