We spend four times the amount per student adjusted for inflation since 1970. We have introduced computer technology to the class room at great expense. Test scores have remained flat. There are a lot more retired teachers but test scores have remained the same and by same I mean not good.
In kalifornia we spend on average $8,800 per kid K-12. Given that the average class size is 28 that means $246,400 per classroom or per teacher. Let's assume the teacher makes $90K with benefits for nine months of work. That leaves $156,400 per class for what? Where does that $150K go to? Sure there is some maintenance in that, some administration, general office expenses, union overhead, and district supervision. But if a roof needs to be replaced then we get a new bond to pay off. So nothing capital wise. Given that let's say $56,400 for general overhead (which I think is ludicrous), where does that $100K per classroom go to? That's more than what we pay the teacher. Where?
That's some hectic PROFIT but to what pockets does the profit flow?
Problem as I see it is the idea that all kids must learn the same thing. The 3 R's is basic, from there it is the individual student that needs to be tested on what subject interests them and what they are geared to mentally.
Subjects can be folded in with each other, EXAMPLE, Music and Math, Geology and Anthropology, Biology and World History. Language with politics and American history.
I do not care how smart a kid is or how slow they are, one gets the same results from both if they have no interest in a class. Each kid is an individual, placing them with like minded class mates and a teacher that has a feel for the subject, is innovative with teaching those interested in the subject is a good teacher.
Placing a kid who has no interest in language, history or Art is a waste of time, find their interest and a subject to match their interest. Surprising how one interest needs to be successful with the help, leap frogging onto other subjects.
Teachers are just like the kids, they also have their interests and may complain about teaching a subject they themselves are bored with or incompetent with. Like sending a Home EC. teacher out to coach the football team.
Teaching is not a profession, it is a work of art, look at how successful the kids do on tests that are home schooled.
How parents can do this is amazing, but then they know their kids and their interests so perhaps they bundle their interests in with all the other subjects.
Got a kid that likes to hunt with father, if the kid is going to learn how to reload their Ammo, they need Math. Need to learn topography of the area they hunt in, learn what wind shear is, how to calibrate for a successful kill. Learn about the biology of the area, what the game likes to eat, Chemistry and Anatomy if they wish to mount their kill.
Baking as an interest takes chemistry, math, and knowledge of where the ingredients come from, how they interact with each other.
Any person can become a teacher as long as they have a passion for the subject and the student shares it with them.
Never surprised me when my boys came home from Scouts that had a new interest, something they never gave a thought to before. It was the enthusiasm of the Scout Master that had us all in the back yard after dark learning Morse code with flashlights for weeks on end.