90% of my 1959 graduation class when to college. I worked my way through. Tuition for my last semester at an ivy league school was $875. Today too many place the onus on poor teachers for lack of proficiency. They blame that on low teacher pay; suggesting that low pay doesn't attract good teachers. I think that's a bunch of hooey. First of all teachers in my state are largely the graduates of taxpayer highly subsidized State teachers' colleges which is relatively very inexpensive. They'er attracted to the work hours, health and retirement benefits. 180 school days less 14 sick days/yr at maybe 7 hours/day w/ tenure, a pension, 403B and primo health insurance. Secondly, all teachers are required to have an MS in Ed prior to tenure and are required to pass proficiency in their area of expertise. Additionally while pursuing their MS they are paid extra for each hour they pass (not once) but throughout their career. I must add that the school of choice for most of our area's teachers to earn their MS is one of the finest schools in the country (year after year).
So what's my point? Way too many kids graduate (or drop out) from our school district (not the same I graduated from) w/o the basic tools to succeed let alone go to college. It's not the teachers! It's not low pay that discourages quality teachers. It's parents that don't require competency; that don't react to poor performance, accept mediocrity or less. And IMO that has less to do w/ economic standing than love, interest and parenting skills. Ain't it a shame!
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