No Property Taxes = Better Education (Part 2), 8-28-2010

 [Continued from No Property Taxes = Better Education (Part 1), 8-28-2010. sch 8/16/23.]

How does this help the children? First, by allowing parents to decide what particular school will give their child the best possible education. Second, allowing the different counties to provide more specialized schools.

I do not suggest one by school for a county. Some counties may not opt for a specialized high school (say a college preparatory or an arts school) but that decision would lie with the local school board. All the local schools need to comply with is the minimum educational standard promulgated by the state. I assume those standards will prepare Indiana students for the competitive worldwide economy.

What do I mean by minimum educational standards? Those academic standards needed for a person to be a good citizen and fulfill their economic possibilities. I do not include sports of any sort. If the schools want sports teams, or more than a merely functional gymnasium, then there should be an option for such funding through local taxes. If there is a local need for a specific academic program, then there should be a mechanism for funding out of local taxes.

How will parents know about teachers? How about creating a system like Angie's List for parents and students to comment on teachers?  Perhaps then we can keep the union in place instead of as a scapegoat and distraction from education.

Indiana's real education weakness lies in how little we emphasize education. Until Indiana's academic achievers attain the same attention as Mr. Basketball, the schools will always have trouble. When parents see education's utility in getting a job and then a better job as opposed to a sports or music career, then education will improve. The politicians have a bully pulpit that goes unused in promoting academic achievement. Until they do more promoting of academic achievement, everyone needs to question their union breaking tactics.

As more a postscript than a conclusion, I would point out my system is not antagonistic to charter schools. I think what I call specialized schools could easily be charter schools. However, these charter schools would be state funded schools. Private schools are not included in my thoughts. 

I do not offer perfection. Opening the schools to competition does not necessarily create a level playing field. The ambitious and the talented will the best reachers for their ambitions and talents. Evaluating teachers will not insure a better education and is fraught with its own problems, as teaching is more art than science. However, Indiana's educational system needs to be thought of holistically instead of ad hoc.

That lack of new thinking and the unwillingness to fund effective schools will defeat any educational reform. Such shortsightedness portends the educational failure of Indiana.

sch