February 7, 20179 yr Makes you wonder how she made billions. Don't know if it's true or not but I'm reminded of Butch Cassidy in the movie. "You probably inherited every penny you've got!"
February 7, 20179 yr There is little or no correlation between per pupil expenditures on education and results. If you doubt that is true, and I do not blame you for being skeptical, graph ACT and SAT scores of a rural state like Utah against expenditures and then add data for students in the District of Columbia, Chicago, and other districts that head the list of per pupil educational spending. Repeat the exercise, but this time plot average teacher salaries against student outcomes. There is no better example of where increasing spending on failed programs has failed than federal spending on education. Money solves many problems, but it is not the answer to all of them. Spend more money locally and schools will improve. Send more money to Washington for the federal government to spend and things often get worse at the local level. However, all of the money that pours into Washington, DC, finds its way into the local economy in neighborhoods like mine. The local economy here is booming and local spending here on education is very high - thanks to the large contributions from people across this nation. The median income here in Fairfax County, Virginia, is $113,313 and our public schools are among the best in the nation. Come down to Henry County and see how tough it is where the median income is more in the 30's. BTW, I think the correlation is not just financial, it's often times cultural. Henry County was a factory/mill community. Generations of people did not see a need for education when the factory paid well and was here. Now that there are no mill jobs it's hard for Mom and Pop to support Jr in education when they probably know less of what he's being taught than he does.
February 7, 20179 yr Welcome to BGP. Agree with @TheDeuce, definitely a good question. Thank you! It's a welcome back actually. I was a member many years ago when the price of admission was cheaper but the layout not nearly as nice.
February 7, 20179 yr Makes you wonder how she made billions. She was born into and married into them.
February 7, 20179 yr If this is the first time in history that the VP has to break a tie, it kind of tells me this isn't a great idea.
February 7, 20179 yr If this is the first time in history that the VP has to break a tie, it kind of tells me this isn't a great idea. History is irrelevant in these cabinet nominations. When Harry Reid went nuclear on Presidential nominations he took the ability for the minority to stop a nominee. All the minority can do now is posture.
February 7, 20179 yr There could scarcely be a less qualified nominee for this position. #NoDeVos Care to elaborate? I know a little background on her...no experience in the education field, supporter of voucher system and charter schools, heads some sort of organization on education policy...family is loaded and donated millions to Rep party and candidates. I don't know if she would be good for the job or not. Seems to be she might be getting rewarded for her donations and not necessarily what she might actually bring to the table, but I just don't know enough about her. So give me some insight on the literal "hate" for her by many as Ed Sec pick. And being a teacher I'm sure you have probably researched this more than the average person.
February 7, 20179 yr When is the vote? It's supposed to be some time this afternoon, right? Going on right now....
February 7, 20179 yr You bring up a good point, and the cynical side of me is forced to ask what's in this for her? Why does a billionaire, with seemingly no interest in public education and plenty of companies and foundations to fill her time and money with, want to become Secretary of Education in the first place? Higher political aspirations possibly, maybe power.
February 7, 20179 yr Care to elaborate? I know a little background on her...no experience in the education field, supporter of voucher system and charter schools, heads some sort of organization on education policy...family is loaded and donated millions to Rep party and candidates. I don't know if she would be good for the job or not. Seems to be she might be getting rewarded for her donations and not necessarily what she might actually bring to the table, but I just don't know enough about her. So give me some insight on the literal "hate" for her by many as Ed Sec pick. And being a teacher I'm sure you have probably researched this more than the average person. I'm in the same boat as you. For those that are opposed to it, what is it you fear she'll do?
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