Emily, the thing is, the state has cut the education budget practically in half over the past few years, and though there may be waste in terms of too many administrators (from what I hear, anyway), the teachers are insanely overworked already. High school teachers average 35+ students per class and teach at least 5 classes, for example. Now they're cutting even more midway through the year with yet MORE cuts to come. It's criminal, as far as I'm concerned. I don't know how the public system is going to survive if they keep it up.

I'm sure they are getting less money what with the entire state about to go bankrupt. But there's a lot of political bullshit and maneuvering that has led the state to this point of whatever billion shortfall, not going to raise taxes or close loopholes, Gov won't sign unless they promise him he can 8-6 EPA regulations, etc. I know the money gotta come from somewhere, but they also know that LAUSD schools are falling way behind the NCLB regulations and that just leads to more funding cuts.

ETA: Points up to what Kristin said.

Just before I left California, the Governator was cutting 10% of the state budget, across the board, including education. Remember K-Bug participating in a walk-out cause the school board was going to cut all sports? The whole mess was part of what made up my mind to move.

With my kids being 7 years apart, I could really see the difference in education between K-Bug and CJ. It broke my heart, really.

dobbie/Ger Shep mutt we think

I never knew that dogs could breed with house elves.

I have heard that the teacher layoff announcement is partly political posturing to put pressure on Sacramento, and that there will actually be way less layoffs. One can only hope. Things are in SUCH a mess that I don't think anyone has any idea what is going to happen, including Arnie and the legislature.

Why is it hard for students to copy each others' homework intelligently?

I cheated on homework in high school, occasionally. I don't think it's right, but I did it. I know it happens. I know I can't stop it.

But seriously: if your friend writes "20 <" (a nonsensical thing indeed) and you COPY it as your answer... nobody's learning anything. You didn't even look at the QUESTION, or you'd know that was nonsensical.

I copied sometimes. But at least I knew what I was writing.

dobbie/Ger Shep mutt we think

never knew that dogs could breed with house elves.

Is Ger really a house elf? If you're speaking of Invader Zim, that is.

Taquitos!

stomps into thread, throws self onto fainting couch, presses hand to forehead, growls

Just ignore me; I'm having a nibbled-by-ducks day and I was already hormonally cranky. My sympathy and ~ma to anyone who needs or wants it.

I think Monday migrated to Tuesday this week. I've got a big bid I need to revise and I just don't wanna, and I'm trying to chase down a theatre producer who's lagging on paying for a rental. I hate having to threaten to pull the gear, which will essentially close their show, in order to get paid.

This Indexed made me think of Jilli.