EducationI’m skeptical about the constitutional rationale for a federal department of education. I’ve looked and looked and just don’t see that the framers of our government intended the federal government (and not states) to oversee the education of our children. I strongly feel that education is the best vehicle available for upward mobility, I think it should be a cornerstone of our efforts to combat poverty, and funds spent on education are (in principle) a sound investment in our economic future. I also am well aware that simply throwing money at education does not produce results. Some of the worst education systems in our country are also some of the most expensive. I think the answer lies in effective local control, and local accountability. One of the obstacles to effective local control is the strength of the teachers’ unions. While professional educators are a vital resource and should have a partnership in establishing curricula and education policy, the protection of incompetent teachers through tenure, and the union’s political clout funded through dues should be limited. School boards need to be able to dismiss or reassign teachers and hold them responsible for results. I think that some accommodation needs to made to facilitate competitive private schools for all economic markets (not just the rich). The government has no place directly funding religious education, but it seems that tax credits for private tuition could be justified. Previous: Drugs -- Next: Flag Burning |
