Barely passing

State should increase spending on public schools

Whenever there is a discussion about the state of public school systems in America, the same deficiencies are usually mentioned. Recently, a survey that graded several aspects of state school systems was published by Education Weekly. Overall, high schools throughout the country received an average grade of a 'C.' More important, the breakdown of the grades for Michigan public schools illustrated several weak areas. Although the state did well from an academic standpoint, the survey used standardized test scores as a measure of academic strength. Such tests are often not an accurate measurement of students' ability. The most glaring problem in Michigan's schools has to do with the great disparity in resources between various districts.

Outside of the overall academic grade, the Michigan public school system did not fare well in the survey. Teaching quality in Michigan received the national average of 'C.' The quality of the resources available in the school system - such as computers and televisions - received a 'B-.' Finally, the schools' climate, which factors in student-teacher ratios, school safety and class curriculum, received a 'D.' These poor grades demonstrate that many children in the state are going to class in an environment that is not conducive to learning.

These facets of the education system are vital to the overall quality of education children receive and need improvement. Students cannot learn to the best of their abilities if they do not have access to current technology, are in classes with 40 other students, or do not feel safe at school. There is a strong correlation between these education inadequacies and the amount of funding a school receives - bad news for resource-deprived schools. With an increase in financial support from the state government, school officials would be able to make many needed changes. More high-tech equipment could be purchased. Schools could hire more qualified faculty members - lowering student-to-teacher ratios and improving the learning environment.

In the past few years, much has been said by politicians and government officials about the need to improve the nation's school system but nothing significant has been accomplished. It is time for policymakers, like state legislators and Michigan Gov. John Engler, to focus their efforts on improving the existing system, not abandoning it. Engler's actions in the educational arena often worked to the detriment of the state's public schools. Various education reform ideas, like the creation of charter schools, the enactment of a school-voucher system, and threatening to take over districts that do not meet certain achievement standards will not fix many of the public schools' problems.

With the start of the new year, the Michigan state Legislature will soon begin developing budget proposals for the next fiscal year. There must be an increase in the amount of money spent on education and a concentrated effort to distribute more funds to those school districts that lack resources. All children, rich and poor, should have a change to get a good education. Political ideology and partisan politics must not hinder the greater effort to address resource-deficient schools. At present, not every child receives an equal education - the state must take action to mend the situation.

01-20-98