California 47th in the nation in education (San Diego, Poway: middle school, live)

[Highnlite]

I think she just wants to complain, and you can thank NCLB for the lack of art and music in your school.

[10,000Lakes]

Originally Posted by Highnlite

I think she just wants to complain, and you can thank NCLB for the lack of art and music in your school.

It seems other states are also cutting art/music too. Also, no "bus service" I am starting to see a lot more as well.

[Oerdin]

Originally Posted by NewToCA

I've seen it listed as 47th in school spending per kid, which isn't an "output".

It still shows we're spending way, way, way to little on education especially since we used to be #1 in spending in the 60's and 70's. Essentially everything went to hell for public schools after prop 13.

I know Republicans like to claim spending more money doesn't insure success but not spending money insures failure. That's just the bottom line and when you spend less then even Alabama then you know you're shorting the kids and screwing with California's future.

[Oerdin]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

You and I can both agree that raising taxes isn't the answer. The article is right in that there are many reasons California's government is and has been the problem rather than the solution. I know that from first-hand experience as not just a former state employee but as one who regularly attended and testified before legislative committee hearings as well as working with the Governor's Office. All the other issues you addressed are also correct as well but none of them negate the article's premise that California is paralyzed by government. If you really think otherwise then you're delusional.

If you really care about how the schools are performing, especially in comparison with other states, check out this site:

Home - KIDS COUNT Data Center

The main thing paralyzing the state's government is the retarded 2/3rds rule which can be used to block any cuts or any tax increases. If you can't cut and you can't increase taxes then you end up with a paralyzed government which can't balance the budget... Kind of like we've had since the 2/3rds rule was passed in the 1980's.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by 10,000Lakes

It seems other states are also cutting art/music too. Also, no "bus service" I am starting to see a lot more as well.

Like it or not, many districts throughout the country are cutting out things like music and art. Some of the best schools in Texas has almost eliminated the programs or combined them and yes, bus service isn't the top priority. In fact in the 50s Los Angeles school district did not have bus service except for field trips. You could get a public bus pass at a discounted rate (not free by anymeans) but no actual service.

She has been on the board off and on for ages, used to live in Ca, says she wants to move back and is looking for Utopia. I don't think she will find it.

Highnlite, I agree about test scores and the upscale areas. I put very little into any studies, polls or charts as there are so many variables. Kids in upper income schools will do fine, whether in Los Angeles, Aracadia, Marin Co, or wherever, kids in the inter city schools are faced with all kinds of challenges. It has always been this way.

Nita

[10,000Lakes]

^^^ Yeah. It's not just a California thing. When my kids go on field trips they each pay a couple bucks to pay for the bus service. And even though they don't have art, they do little art projects in their classrooms.

[jaynetarzana]

10,000Lakes: We lived in CA for almost 15 years and last year we moved to Chicago for DH's job. We would like to move back to CA next summer. One of our children just became school age so this is top priority for us.

[jaynetarzana]

Originally Posted by Oerdin

It still shows we're spending way, way, way to little on education especially since we used to be #1 in spending in the 60's and 70's. Essentially everything went to hell for public schools after prop 13.

I know Republicans like to claim spending more money doesn't insure success but not spending money insures failure. That's just the bottom line and when you spend less then even Alabama then you know you're shorting the kids and screwing with California's future.

This is exactly what I am saying. Thank you, I was starting to think that there wasn't anyone willing to look at the facts on this forum.

[jaynetarzana]

Originally Posted by nmnita

She has been on the board off and on for ages, used to live in Ca, says she wants to move back and is looking for Utopia. I don't think she will find it. Nita

And you have been on this board for ages posting snotty remarks and putting in your 2 cents on anything and everything even if you have no idea what you are talking about. You are always so rude to everyone, I wish you wouldn't bother posting on threads that I start.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by jaynetarzana

And you have been on this board for ages posting snotty remarks and putting in your 2 cents on anything and everything even if you have no idea what you are talking about. You are always so rude to everyone, I wish you wouldn't bother posting on threads that I start.

Last time I read, this was an open forum. I think it still is. No, I haven't posted rude comments to everyone. In fact to some people I am very nice.

Nita