Dropout Factories

In a conversation with an 'educator,' it was pointed out that some of the Middleboro high school students who failed to graduate from Middleboro HS undoubtedly went to private schools or BP or transferred, but offered no defense for the current poor performance of the school system.

Rod Paige's success in Texas was achieved by shuffling the numbers: students who dropped out were listed as transfers; students who would have performed poorly on standardized tests were counted as ESL or Special Ed, hence didn't take the exams. (That is not to suggest that has happened here.)

In New York State, 'state aid' is based on school attendance. Hence, a remarkably 'healthy' school population!

A friend who taught High School lab science courses in the Bronx often commented that his courses usually had 50-55 students listed, but he seldom saw more than 15 students.

Charlie Rose interviewed Mike Huckabee (11/1) and questioned his views regarding education.
When asked to describe how his state turned around failing schools, he indicated that the first steps were to fire the school committee and the administration. When asked if teachers were also fired, he indicated that those teachers who might be considered 'contrarians' (consequently unpopular with their peers) were often the most effective teachers.

During his conversation, he criticized the emphasis on sports, the rigidity of school systems, and much else. While that is not to suggest support for his platform, it is to suggest that there are good ideas offered in even the most objectionable package that are worth consideration.
http://www.charlierose.com/home
http://www.ontheissues.org/Mike_Huckabee.htm#Education

Since so much of our tax dollars are invested in public education costs, it seems appropriate to begin to ask questions.

That we -- all of us -- begin to seek the information, compose question, make comparisons, was the intent of the posts. Appreciation to all who are beginning to look.