Failing Schools - Do Not Blame the Recession

Undoubtedly, the education of our children is a priority. Anyone who suggests otherwise is probably looking for a debate. Whenever the government prepares to dole out cash, many hands are extended. To help one agency over another sometimes may appear bias but Reich takes it up a notch. Yes, I agree the recession has wrecked havoc not only on state and local budgets but also on every facet of the lives of the American people. However, to suggest such a dire lack in future education may be pushing the envelope.
From an economic standpoint, the limits are stretching all around but teachers teach , money does not. If an educator has less money tomorrow, it should not mean the knowledge he or she has obtained has diminished, therefore the students should not immediately suffer. Many teachers make personal financial sacrifices for their students because they love what they do.
The school money crunch is nothing new but perhaps it is magnified by the recession. As an educator, this author’s viewpoint is understandable. However, with homeschooling and other avenues, education will prevail despite a tightening of the belt on public resources.
If the administration is giving $4.35 billion in funds, it sounds like a bailout of sorts to me. It may not compare to the banks if the comparison is dollar for dollar but why the comparison. Bailing out the schools and not bailing out the banks is like putting the oxygen on a child before securing your mask on an airplane. Directing anger at the banks will not solve the public school issue. That money is spent; it is time to move forward. Take the $4.35 billion and do better.
I just don't get the concept of human capital being uniquely American. Perhaps the public university in which he teaches only has American students. I am sure the extra federal funds from the Obama administration is for all public school students.
In reviewing an Issue Brief (Nov 2001) from the Economic Policy Institute, it is stated that more money is not the complete solution to whatever may ail local public education. There were critical shortfalls before the recession. These shortfalls are even more critical now.