[tvtimeout]

Where public schools and universities in this country, including Kentucky, fail miserably is teaching students to learn and making learning itself "cool." Too many people look at their final graduation date, whether that comes after 12, 14, or 16 years as the end of their education. Too many teachers reenforce the common American belief that math is "hard."

As LWC said, if you want to discuss class size, then you have to talk about funding. If you want to make the argument that smaller class sizes and larger per pupil expenditures equate to a better quality education, then be prepared to explain how Utah ranks so high in average college entrance scores - and why so many school districts (e.g., the District of Columbia) rank high in per pupil spending and low in virtually everything else

Also, be prepared to explain why a Libertarian believes that the burden for improving education lies with the Commonwealth of Kentucky. What about privatizing schools or at least diverting some additional resources to private schools through a voluntary voucher system.
Would the elimination of the Department of Education fall under the taboo heading of school funding? I would like to see concrete evidence that the quality of public education has improved since the creation of the Department of Education. If not, then I want to know why anybody believes that it should continue to drain resources away from local school districts.

There are some things I disagree with one is a voucher system, and here is why: I am a biggot. I don't want any tax payer money to go to any private school. I can not stand the thought of my money going to a child who decides to go to be taught at a Mosque. Again, I am biggot. I know this, because I can not stand to see my money go to a Mosque, I will deny myself that same right and not send tax payers money to Christian School. This is what a voucher system would do.

The other alternative is people would not pay a school tax and self fund themselves going to school. That can work, student loans, so on and so forth, which to me is a better option. That to me is a way better option, people still maintain choice. With this senerio, is any one willing to end up with a huge debt. To give some figures on this, $15,000 X 13 yrs (count Pre-K) that equals $195,000. Now let us add college funds $40,000 X 5 yrs (what it now takes most college people) $200,000 + $195,000 = $395,000, now let us keep the interest rate low at 4% for student loans at 15 yrs, your payment a month is $2921.77. Just to give an idea a teacher with 6 yrs experience and a Masters + Rank 1, woluld not cover that payment. Therefore, it is unrealistic at best.

So, I go back to the Commonwealth's rights and the right to educate its people as it see's fit.

I agree with you completely on the Department of Ed. I would have abolished it a long time ago... I think I posted that somewhere else though, along with the IRS and the Fed. Reserve Bank!