American civilization is currently under threat. Unfortunately, the danger is not as obvious as one would think, as in the case of terrorism. The greater menace is really the lowering standards provided by the public school education, which can be attributed to the education cartel. The effects have far-reaching consequences and in fact cannot be easily quantified.
Almost everybody recognizes the present problem. Students of public schools are consistently performing way below the desired objective. This is evidenced by test results in math and reading that leaves a lot to be desired, corruption that is rampant and a very long and arduous process of dismissing teachers and staff, to the effect that it is virtually impossible to do so. The stark reality is that US will face a future filled with ill-prepared workforce.
One of the more notable problems with regard to the education in cartel is the tenure that most public school teachers enjoy, irrespective of whether or not they are doing well in school. This is a classic case becoming a breeding ground for mediocre academic personnel.
Also, the education cartel is more concerned with increasing its power base as well as accumulating bigger budgets which do not really benefit the students. In fact, the flexing of muscles of the education cartel can be seen in the recent veto of Florida Governor Charlie Crist of a proposed law, which ties compensation of teachers with their performance. Clearly, the overriding concern of the cartel prevailed.
In this regard, cartel in education has been a major player in the derailing the dismissal process for undeserving teachers. Its power is duly recognized such that the termination of employment of all teachers and staff in Central Falls, R.I. has caused major shock waves. It really makes one stop and take stock of what is going on in the public school system.
It is sad though that any criticism thrown at the public school system is taken to mean that the system as a whole has nothing to recommend itself as well as its teachers. It is not true though. It must be taken to account that recognition is accorded to those such is due. Among them is Beverly Jones. She was acclaimed because she had the courage to expose rampant corruption on Trenton. It is a case where ghost employees were maintained and continuously receive salary and many students were held back in order to develop a repeaters' program.
The truth is that there is a need to address the problem. There are alternatives provided - such as voucher schools and charter schools. While the advantages of adopting them are not yet clear, it is essential to come up with many alternatives as possible to prevent the education cartel from continuously wielding its power to the detriment of the students.
It is believed that by providing competition for the current public school system, the cartel in education would be forced to level up in terms of performance, which in the end would benefit the students.
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