BY MIKE CETERA
Does your child's school get a passing grade? A new survey suggests most parents give their local schools either a B or a C when it comes to the quality of education their kids are receiving. Less than 10 percent of those surveyed said the schools in their community deserve an A.
Where do you think Fox Valley schools rank?
These results aren't terribly surprising given how often we hear from parents who are involved in their kids' education that there's room for improvement. But the study also suggests a majority of people want school funding to increase, a slight surprise considering how difficult it is to pass a referendum in the Fox Valley (perhaps the distinction is which pile of tax dollars the increase comes from -- the state or local property taxes).
From the Hoover Institution survey:
This survey reveals a U.S. public that continues to support its public schools, but also one that wants these schools to become more effective and is willing to endorse a wide variety of reforms it thinks will bring that about. Americans, for the most part, are pragmatists. They are searching for something that works. It could be accountability, it might be choice, it could be class-size reduction, and it may be changes in teacher recruitment and pay. Reform proposals in each of these areas have pluralities in support of them. In some instances, though, sizable portions of the public remain unpersuaded by advocates on either side.
The survey examines a variety of "fixes" for the public school system. One thing not addressed that seems to be a taboo subject -- but one that should make sense to taxpayers -- is year-round schooling. By using a staggered schedule (some kids are in school, while others are on break) it would keep the buildings occupied 365 days a year, thus reducing the need for new buildings.
Just a couple of points...Hoover is libertarian/conservative think tank and while that doesn't mean anything about this survey, it's important to know it's basic philosophy when approaching topics like this.
The methodology of this survey is also weird...must agree to take several surveys, take their free internet access and let them hook up something to your tv. I know I wouldn't do this in my home nor do I think a lot of other people would either. Maybe statistically sound, but weird none the less.
There have been a number of school funding initiatives passed recently including Yorkville, Oswego, Troy and Plainfield. In my opinion, we parents are perfectly willing to step up the funding if we get results. I can only speak of Oswego's district, but I'm very happy. Of course, we are one of the wealthier districts in IL and our experience is not the norm for most IL parents/kids.
Many are opposed to year-round schooling because society is not set up to support that schedule. Daycares, summer camps, vacations, etc...all revolve around summer breaks. Year round is a major hassle for parents which are why so many push back. It's really a cultural thing that society has embraced to the point of being locked in.