“How much money is enough?”
“…..uniform, and general system of Common schools…..”
“…..sufficient to ensure that the state’s system of public education meets quality goals established by law,…..”
“……. provide a quality education…..”

A brave principal violated the unspoken Educators code of silence and announced in a speech to City Club “New teachers do not know how to teach children how to read.”
How much does that cost?

An award-winning principal that raised scores quickly and dramatically at a Title 1 elementary school was forced out of her job.
How much does that cost?

A 30 year veteran teacher learned of an effective way to teach ALL kids how to read and quickly. He was shunned. He started a charter school in order to teach ALL kids to read and quickly.
How much does that cost?

Employers are seeing too many applicants from high school graduates to college graduates that cannot read, write, or spell accurately.
How much does that cost?

Miseducation of children can cause various behavior and neurological problems.
How much does that cost?

On November 14, 2005, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled “that parents of special education students disputing proposed instructional plans for their children have the burden of proving why the plans are inadequate.” Oregonian November 15, 2005

That pretty much ended the debate about who is being served, who is the intended recipient of services and funding. If the bureaucracy is pleased, that’s it.

Over a decade ago, a judge in Kansas City, MO took over the failing public school system and gave them a virtual blank check to improve student achievement. The experiment failed miserably. The new buildings were beautiful and everyone got a raise, but they failed to do anything about the poor curriculum and ineffective instruction. The students suffered, but the bureaucracy was well fed.

Holding students hostage for years and not holding the bureaucracy responsible for individual student growth year to year is abusive and detrimental to the whole society.

The effective, dedicated teachers will find their voice and hold the place of honor they so deserve when we hold the bureaucracy responsible for individual student growth year to year.

The current system of education will never have “enough” money to effectively educate students. In this system, failure pays.