What state is better to live in? Kansas or Missouri?

[melissajo]

No child left behind is a joke. It probably sounded great in George Bush's head, but in the real world it's a big old mess. Missouri is always ranked so low because our test (the MAP) is way harder than other states, so it looks as if our kids don't do as well. Actually, they are taking a much harder test. Other states have dumbed up their test. In addition to test scores, attendance is figured in to NCLB, and graduation rate. It doesn't matter how well I teach my students, if their parents tell them they do not have to come to school on Fridays because "they deserve a break" or if kids are having to drop out of high school to get a job to help provide for their family.

Let me step down from my soap box and get back to the point at hand....


Live in the state you work in. Not for taxes, but commuting can be a pain. Especially if you are living in KS but trying to get in to downtown to work. IMO I would rather live on the Missouri side. The Northland has lots to offer. Reasonable housing prices. Good Schools. Suburban. However, I love the gritty urban feel of downtown KC MO. It has even more to offer now that the Power and Light district and Sprint Center have been added. Most everything I like to do in KC is downtown or in the Plaza area. I just wouldn't want to send my kids to KC Public Schools. They are not accredited. Having had the opportunity to observe there (at the elementary level), I can't tell you how much I stress that you do not want to send kids there.


I guess the choice is yours, but KC MO is the best in my eye!