Education Woes

I hope you have noticed all of the budget cuts that states are being forced to deal with.  I completely disagree with how many of them have chosen to reduce spending!

An Update on State Budget Cuts

This is a really good article by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.  It has a handy-dandy table near the bottom of the page giving each state and if they plan on making cuts to five different categories.  THIRTY FOUR (34) states not including the District of Columbia are planning to cut funding to 'K-12 and Early Education.'  FOURTY THREE (43) states have cut funding to 'Higher Education.'

Anyone else freaked out by all of this???

As a research analyst with the West Virginia Legislature, I have become more aware of frivolous spending.  Sometimes it is completely absurd at the things state agencies spend money on or the loop holes that they use to spend money.  I am not here to say that everything the state is spending money on is useless.  The majority of agencies spend the majority of its funds on legitimate expenses.  Do not be fooled, this type of thing also occurs in private sector businesses.  Corrupt employees and business practices (Enron, Bernie Madoff).  Most businesses run a tight ship though.

How many of you remember several years ago when studies showed that Americans were not the smartest in Math and Science fields?  Finally, a strong push was made to increase funding whether privately or publicly.  Math and sciences are the basis of so many different information and technology careers.  These careers are quickly becoming the force behind our developed economy. 

ABC News Article - American Kids Lag in Math, Science

(Apparently it wasn't so long ago.  Or this is just stating the most recent findings...)

I grew up in a family that placed a significant importance on education.  My mother has worked her way through most aspects of the education system.  My grandmother was an educator and later elected as the first woman to the county Board of Education.  Grandfather taught for a little while.  Most recently, my sister joined the ranks.  I taught for a semester and wouldn't be opposed to doing it again.  The list goes on and on.  Teaching is giving someone the gift of knowledge.  Giving them the academic intelligence and also life lessons that they will be able to carry through the rest of their lives.  My grandmother always told me.  "Get your education first.  Worry about boys later."  And so I did.

Maybe all of these educators' DNA running through my body has somewhat compromised my unbiased, fair understanding of what is going on.  I just don't see how cutting funding to education (especially K-12) will benefit Americans in the future.  Basic principle of economics is that you constantly run in the short run but need have the long run in mind.  Seems to me that Legislatures are only thinking of the short run.  Go back to the drawing board.  Cut your per diem.  Find new ways to increase revenues without burdening the already burdened American worker.

Regardless, I am anxious to see what will truly happen with education for children.  My mom has the itch to retire.  Maybe my hypothetical future children will be visiting grandma for home-schooling.  Who knows!

*This is written as the opinion of an American citizen.  This in no way shape or form reflects the opinions of my position as a Research Analyst or the opinions of my employers.*


“If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people”