by Judy Zabriskie

Created on: April 12, 2008   Last Updated: February 17, 2009

The problems within the public educational system are too numerous to count, so to speak, the least of which is that it is publicly funded this meaning that it is legislated.
A non believer in legislating education or morality, I find this a bitter pill to swallow. What I don't understand is why "public" education is not held to the same standards but varies from state to state, heck it varies from locality to locality. Although not a fan of standardization, I believe every child has the right to a proper education and by standardizing it throughout this great United States this can be achieved. Unfortunately, one can move from state to state and the educational system varies so much that in one state the child is literally performing at a 3rd grade level and in another maybe 6th grade while at another, perhaps the 1st

grade level.

Criteria for public funded education are based solely on state test results. Although, on paper, this is not a terrible idea, it is definitely not a standard by which education should be judged. Again, these tests vary by state. In Alabama a student is not expected to obtain and retain knowledge equal to a student of, perhaps, New York or New Jersey.
It seems the farther south one goes, the worse the educational system becomes. Why is that? I believe that educational standards vary by region. Having been born and raised in the northeast and now married and settled in the south I find the educational systems vastly different. Here in the south they are much more interested in one's heritage than the broad scope of knowledge it takes to become successful. Should they finally decide that the South lost the Civil War and move on with their lives, taking into account that there were other events which occurred in history and which are occurring currently, focusing upon these events and moving forward, I believe the public education system would be more in tune to educating brighter future adults.

Science education has always been lacking within the public system. Why would anyone want to teach science when they could "do" science, be paid a higher wage, be more involved in the future of drug development, space exploration, new energy concepts, etc.? I believe it important to offer incentives, both financial and research opportunities to science teachers beginning at the middle school level, thereby bringing better educators into the fold and thereby turning out better "future scientists."
At the moment, most of those who teach science are those who had enough credits in their particular field at graduation and obtained a teaching certificate with the hopes of attaining employment.

I believe the old saying is true Those who can't teach. Those who can't teach teach gym. We need to negate these standards of the past and bring our educational system into the future. Make it prestigious to become a teacher. Make the salary levels commensurate with educational background and knowledge. Standardize the system so that everyone has an equal opportunity be they northern, southern, economically challenged, wealthy or middle class. Learning is learning and everyone deserves the chance to excel. Focus less on AP and IB and more on everyone receiving an adequate education and I believe the system will correct itself.

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