[sailingdog]

Actually, part of the problem is that qualified teachers are getting a bit scarce and funding for many of the programs that make a well-rounded education are being cut. Teaching to the test isn't helping, especially in the schools that seem to think that focusing solely on improving test results is the way to go.

Poverty is a huge issue—as it is often the schools with the poorest children that do the worst. This is partially due to the way schools are funded—and in those areas, they often have the least funding available. Part of it is probably environmental—you can't learn well if you're not nourished properly.

While I'd agree with the points you lay out in your first post Cam, the problem is how to implement those changes with the resistance of the teacher's unions in the way. Also, some of the changes are going to increase costs....and how do you fund those additional costs?

Increasing teachers salaries is one thing I am in favor of. I have several good friends that are elementary, middle and high school teachers, and what most school systems pay them, is pathetic. IMHO, there are some jobs that really don't pay anything in proportion to how they benefit society... teachers are among them.