Quote Originally Posted by West Coast Jungle View Post
A big problem is accountability. This is due to the unions. They push for more and more and get more powerful which in theory may sounds great to help the teachers but one of the realities is they become less and less accountable and get away with not doing their jobs(which is teaching children). Try firing a teacher. It has become almost impossible in many states even if they are on drugs,dont do their jobs or cheat and steal.
True. There are many mediocre teachers that should get the boot. And some of the unions' power needs to go. But on the flip side I still think the biggest issue of accountability isn't the teachers but the students/parents. But far too often the parents and the students immediately blame the teacher for the student's failings when it's really the kid isn't doing their homework, isn't studying, etc.

Thats why Skiploaders point of how efficient private schools are hold true. Its because they are a business and they can only stay afloat if they are productive and efficient.
But at the same time, I imagine the majority of kids who are going to private school probably have parents who are concerned about their kids' education and are taking an active role in it. That being said, I'm not against the idea of charter schools and giving parents more choice in where their kid goes to school. Maybe a little competition would do our system good!

In the end, I still think the biggest priority in fixing our education system has to be to get parents involved again. All the money in the world, all the best teachers in the world, all the accountability won't matter if parents don't take a proactive role in their kids' education and let them get away with mediocrity.