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The survey that started this thread was not, in fact, a survey of the "customers" of public education. Not even close. It was a survey of the general population about the general state of education. For all we know, it was a bunch of grumpy old retired folks who just want to pay less taxes. Which would be like surveying a bunch of 20-somethings about their satisfaction with Medicare.
When PARENTS are actually surveyed about THEIR OWN SCHOOLS there are large majorities that support them.
These are the actual customers of public schools. The top line in this graph:
So adults without kids in public schools should continue to be forced to pay but also keep quite?
So adults without kids in public schools should continue to be forced to pay but also keep quite?
We all pay for government whether we use it or not. I'm forced to pay for the fire department but have never once had a fire. I'm paying for highways in eastern Washington that I never use either.
The point is that, using my example, one might survey 20-somethings about Medicare and even get some opinions. But those opinions are unlikely to be informed by any actual experience as customers of the Medicare program.
Likewise, oldsters and single people without children might well have opinion about the current state of public schools. But those opinions are unlikely to be grounded in reality or any real-world experience with any actual schools.
We all pay for government whether we use it or not. I'm forced to pay for the fire department but have never once had a fire. I'm paying for highways in eastern Washington that I never use either.
The point is that, using my example, one might survey 20-somethings about Medicare and even get some opinions. But those opinions are unlikely to be informed by any actual experience as customers of the Medicare program.
Likewise, oldsters and single people without children might well have opinion about the current state of public schools. But those opinions are unlikely to be grounded in reality or any real-world experience with any actual schools.
So who is allowed to comment on our education system?
BTW, the article included a link to the methodology that answers your demographic question.
Agist much? At what age is someone no longer allowed an opinion?
So who is allowed to comment on our education system?
BTW, the article included a link to the methodology that answers your demographic question.
Agist much? At what age is someone no longer allowed an opinion?
Everyone is allowed to comment on anything they want to. It's a free country.
I'm merely pointing out that a random survey of random Americans isn't necessarily going to give us an accurate picture of the actual state of American education. Such as the trope reflected in the survey that we need to "get back to basics" and have more "reading, writing and arithmetic." Because such opinions are unlikely to have much basis in reality or actual experience with real schools. But are more likely to reflect the constant drumbeat in the media from politicians looking to gin up culture war hysteria over education.
That is why people who have actual experience with American public schools, the parents themselves (or customers as you call them), have vastly different opinions about schools than the public at large.
Last edited by texasdiver; 04-07-2024 at 10:15 PM..
Everyone is allowed to comment on anything they want to. It's a free country.
I'm merely pointing out that a random survey of random Americans isn't necessarily going to give us an accurate picture of the actual state of American education. Such as the trope reflected in the survey that we need to "get back to basics" and have more "reading, writing and arithmetic." Because such opinions are unlikely to have much basis in reality or actual experience with real schools. But are more likely to reflect the constant drumbeat in the media from politicians looking to gin up culture war hysteria over education.
That is why people who have actual experience with American public schools, the parents themselves (or customers as you call them), have vastly different opinions about schools than the public at large.
What about those who had kids in school? What about those who actually hire and employ the graduates of the school system?
Whether it's PISA scores or public views, it's amazing how educators can find ways to dismiss anything that indicates problems within the system.
What about those who had kids in school? What about those who actually hire and employ the graduates of the school system?
Whether it's PISA scores or public views, it's amazing how educators can find ways to dismiss anything that indicates problems within the system.
And it's equally amazing how a certain segment of our population dwells on the negative and overlooks the positive. It's an obsession.
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