by Jonathan Moran

I don’t know about you, but during the last presidential debate I couldn’t help but laugh at the phrasing of some of the questions presented by moderator Bob Schieffer. About two thirds through the debate the topic of America’s Public School System came to fruition with this question, The U.S. spends more per capita than any other country on education. Yet, by every international measurement, in math and science competence, from kindergarten through the 12th grade, we trail most of the countries of the world. The implications of this are clearly obvious. Some even say it poses a threat to our national security. Do you feel that way and what do you intend to do about it?

While I could not help but give a chuckle at the thought of how many humorous ways this question could be rephrased in conjunction with the flashing images from Idiocracy, the truth in the statement really got me thinking. An International study done by UNICEF ranks the effectiveness of the US School system as 18th out of 24 leading nations, and we are falling fast. The United States has always relied on it’s ability to innovate and invent more efficient ways of doing things, but as our nation’s youth are tanking in mathematics and science one must ask if we can keep it up? We need to invest in our nations future, in all ways. The generation that is currently in power has failed the youth of this country, it has left them poorly educated, in terrible debt, and unhealthily overweight. Blame the government, blame the parents, blame me, blame yourself. We all share the responsibility of keeping our country competent with the world. Learn how you can takepart and get involved to volunteer and help turn around a generation of Americas youth.

The House approved $20 billion in funds to help schools go green over the next five years, making them more energy efficient and lessening their environmental impact. The legislation goes to the Senate now after a 250-164 vote in the House.  Unsurprisingly, the White House threatened to veto the bill, stating that it was ill-conceived for the federal government to launch any new school building programs.

It should be interesting to see if this bill will make it through. Especially as supporters cite studies that green schools use 35% less energy than a conventional school, reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 40%, uses 30% less water and has better control over elements of the learning environment that influence student achievement such as temperature and lighting. [treehugger.com]

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A recent research study says that parents, not students, are the real reason for teacher burnout. Teacher burnout is generally characterized by feelings of emotional exhaustion, and the appearance of feeling uncaring or cynical about students’ abilities to reach personal goals. Rowdy students and unrealistic bureaucratic expectations are cited as common causes of teacher burnout, but the German-based study found that parents put the most pressure on teachers “to be perfect.”

The study is particularly relevant to American schools as teacher turnover increases with baby-boomers retiring and new teachers leaving the field. Approximately 8.4 percent of teachers in the nation’s 3.2 million public schools left the field in 2003-2004.