Education

Smart School Reform Guy: RIP Teachers Unions, Your Days Are Numbered

Terry Moe, one of the leading experts in education reform in the country, professor of political science at Stanford University, fellow at the Hoover Institution, and author of the newly released Special Interest: Teachers Unions and America’s Public Schools, has a message for the teachers unions:

Rest In Peace, because your days are numbered.

Smart School Reform Guy: RIP Teachers Unions, Your Days Are Numbered

Moe is one of the major movers and shakers in the school reform movement. He co-wrote a book in 1990 that arguably launched the school choice movement as we know it today. Politics, Markets and America’s Schools was a game-changer twenty years ago.

His latest book, Special Interest: Teachers Unions and America’s Public Schools, takes a look at the teachers unions and argues that they are the primary reason why the quarter-century long school reform movement has failed.

But soon, the unions will no longer be an obstacle to reform. Why? Technology.

Smart School Reform Guy: RIP Teachers Unions, Your Days Are Numbered

Moe argues that the incredibly massive revolution in information technology will deliver a death blow to teachers unions. In this profile of his life and impact on the education reform movement, Moe says:

“In the final analysis, what technology requires is a substitution of technology for human labor. Computers will do a lot of what teachers do now.” Jumping forward in his chair, he lights up: “Technology is cheap. Labor is really expensive. Education has always been very labor intensive, so if our education system can substitute technology for labor and still provide kids with high quality education, then great!”

Moe explains that technology will fundamentally change the politics of education. “In the future, we will have fewer teachers per student. This means fewer union members per student. Also, teachers don’t have to be concentrated in the same geographic place—because when students do their learning online, their teachers can be anywhere. This fragmentation and dispersion will make it harder for unions to organize.”

For more on Moe’s fascinating life, read on here.

Comments (126)

1 2 3
  • mrmikejohnson
    Posted on April 15, 2011 at 8:50pm

    Public educations days are numbered. Liberals just never learned to stop peddling their propaganda in schools. Now, it’s going to be up to each family to educate their own children.

    Report Post »  
  • NuffSaid
    Posted on April 15, 2011 at 8:20pm

    What a great idea for education reform. Any internet network of qualified teachers, doing daily classes, chat rooms by subscription with no government control. What happened to the teacher of the year in Wisconsin? Screwed by her union.

    Entrepreneurs could provide brick and mortar classroom space and monitors for students. The market place for education What a thought?

    End taxes to support public schools. Paying for schools through tax dollars removes the participant from responsibility. It‘s the same with government agencies and employer’s who withhold dues for union membership. Stop withholding dues and force members to write a check every week. Union members and parents of school aged children will take a much closer look about the return on their investment when they are writing a check or typing in a pay pal every week.

    Get rid of public schools. If you are too stupid to find a commercial education program for your kids, then send your kids to prison. Don’t waste our time and resources on waste.

    Report Post »  
  • co2dog
    Posted on April 15, 2011 at 8:00pm

    With technology, schools need to teach parents too. Give them homework over the web so they can help their children, The physical schools need to become community centers to attact and hold the social network of the neighborhood. Invite more than just parents but the people of the community … they are paying for all of this stuff through their taxes so they receive value even if they don’t have kids in school.

    Report Post »  
  • ADEBTFREEAMERICA
    Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:53pm

    Home schooled myself K-12. From the day I could read all my parents did is buy me text books and tell me what needed to be accomplished. I would finish a year’s worth of school in 3 months with no problem year after year. Same story for my four siblings. My kids will get the same education. Provide your kids the motivation and tools to teach themselves and they will far surpass your expectations.

    Report Post » ADEBTFREEAMERICA  
  • warmac9999
    Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:52pm

    The key is for the money to go with the child. Anything short of that will allow for political and unionization corruption.

    Report Post »  
  • Ampleforth
    Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:39pm

    Oh, and ditto for universities on teaching on-line. The computer will ultimately burst the higher education bubble.

    Report Post »  
  • Ampleforth
    Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:37pm

    My state is a Southern state. When it snowed so much this winter — sometimes when it didn’t snow — the superintendent cancelled school. My kids missed 15 days of school due to inclement weather. Because we’re in the South, there’s no good plan for how to make up the days or secondary transportation plans when it does snow — just a little.

    I’ve suggested that with the availability of computers that when it snows teachers should have to go to school like any other person. They then can teach via the computer and children can telecommute. If a child can’t watch it live, then maybe off of a flash drive later. In other words, have school when it snows.

    People belly-ached about the danger teachers might confront driving to school and that not all kids have access to computers. Then, make it an excused absence for them and allow them to make up the work. Sheesh! It’s all so archaic in a modern age.

    The real truth, I later learned from a teacher, is that teachers fear that “telecommuting” or “distance learning” will expose their obsolescence. Certainly, Wisconsin exposed their adolescence.

    Report Post »  
    • ADEBTFREEAMERICA
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 8:05pm

      I live in Minnesota, we have a good laugh every time a “Southern” state cancels school because they’ve never see “flurries” before lol. I’d much rather have a book teach my child than a computer. A computer for a child has too many distractions. I was home schooled. Try getting distracted with a clean desk and a math book in front of your face with a goal of finishing 5 days worth of work on Monday so you can go play for the rest of the week. I was always ahead of schedule, and I taught myself. My parents provided me the tools, the freedom, and the motivation. Started college when I was 16 and always scored WAY above average when the State tests were given. Same with my four siblings. Luckily I had a mother who cared, and could stay home with us.

      Report Post » ADEBTFREEAMERICA  
  • Fight for America
    Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:35pm

    Trust me when I tell you that the teachers believe technology is no threat to them. They simply won’t allow it to replace them.

    Tell them that someone like the late Carl Sagan is better at teaching thing on a video in an auditorium or on a computer and they will rant.

    It doesn’t matter that repetitive content was taught to our children via Sesame Street or Electric Company – nope, nope, nope – “You have to have the same amount of teachers – or even add more!” Been there, done that, heard that.

    Our high schools are now much like college was before yet somehow it’s terrible to try to teach electronically or in an auditorium….even though our kids are more up on tech stuff than we are.

    Then there’s French. How many kids do we really need who know how to speak French? Yet, French is never taken off of high school courses. At this point, French isn’t exactly a personal or country need. Oh, sorry, there are all those college Profs. still living in the land of French.

    Hmmm – what would all those teachers do if they didn’t have a guaranteed union job indoctrinating our children into the wonderful world of socialism ?

    Report Post »  
  • Rached Madcow SHOW
    Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:35pm

    Is he the Moe that Loretta Sanchez met?

    Report Post » Rached Madcow SHOW  
  • milo
    Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:33pm

    Ahh, duct tape.

    Is there nothing it can’t fix?

    :-)

    Report Post »  
    • SublimeOne
      Posted on April 17, 2011 at 9:48am

      @milo
      Question: Ah duct is there anything it can’t fix?
      Ans: Liberalism

      Report Post »  
  • DaveOregon
    Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:20pm

    Careful – Obummer and the socialissts already moving on taking control of the internet and “fair” content. I think school should be 4-hrs a day – mathematics (add/subtract/multiply/divide), science (basic biology, chemistry, geography), writing, reading. Say from 1st to 4th grade. From there – it’s home school.

    Report Post »  
    • Kurty C Wipe
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:55pm

      Dave, If you are from Oregon we need to talk. Here in Bend, I went to schools more than once, got in teachers faces, and said you will not cram you socialist views on my kids. No year round schooling ****** me off, instead, they just go build more schools.$$$$$$. Teachers were great until kids hit jr high, after that, teachers put them in the cattle shoot. I have always visioned sick kids, lazy kids, potential dropouts, click on the classroom from home.

      Report Post » Kurty C Wipe  
  • miles from nowhere
    Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:20pm

    After watching the spectacle in Wisconsin, I say bring it on and move on. This absolute BS protest of this state trying desperately save itself from the corrupt Union thugs is a site that bears witness to the ugly Unions in action. The tax payers in that state need a pat on the back for shutting these monsters out. Gov, Wilson is a damn hero!

    Report Post »  
  • Obeckian1984
    Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:19pm

    seems like anyone with any real controversy has been BANNED just
    like Russia and the Nazis.

    Report Post » Obeckian1984  
  • Silversmith
    Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:18pm

    All public unions should be done. It separates the citizenry from itself and holds the non-union public ransom. Very few folks have deals as good as our union neighbors and that is on non union citizens. Let’s not even get into tenure and other such nonsense.

    Silversmith

    Report Post » Silversmith  
    • Salamander
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:36pm

      Any public servant using the mechanism of collective bargaining should be required to give up their right to vote. Imagine if a union member could remove the CEO of his employer from office (or his boss)! The whole process stinks–the recalcitrant employer, the greedy employee! The Japanese addressed many of the issues that unions legitimately handle, through the mechanism of ‘quality circles’! Maybe we should adopt the ideas of Demming (a U.S. consultant) and do away with unions, which are inefficient and ineffective!

      Report Post »  
  • Swancman
    Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:16pm

    It is that easy?!?! (Wimper, cry) I’ve underestimated the power of technology…

    Report Post » Swancman  
  • handsmcml
    Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:13pm

    You are assuming that the Internet will still be working, as we know it. Obama wants to have a kill-switch and more control over the internet. The other trouble with the internet, as 1984 showed, can be manipulated to add or delete information to better conform to an ideology. Today, someone may be our friend but tomorrow they are our enemy. All the history can be deleted and the new history inserted. We will have no way to prove or disprove what our mind is telling us. Whom are you going to believe, your own lying memories, or me?

    Report Post » handsmcml  
    • NOTYERHUCKLEBERRY
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:24pm

      I agree with you to a point. My memories don’t lie, I don’t know about you.

      Report Post »  
    • teachermitch32
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 8:18pm

      There are always industrious Americans willing to provide a truthful archive of history, facts, data, and the like. This will always help to keep the “schrool material” honest to a certain degree….and will give those with a real heart for the truth an uncorrupted source for knowledge. Going away from the classroom and towards independence via the internet does not scare me if the result is fewer teachers and reduced union control. Dissemination of “wrong” information does concern me.

      Report Post »  
    • handsmcml
      Posted on April 17, 2011 at 12:57am

      I was trying to make a reference to an old Joke: A woman walks into her bedroom and finds her husband in bed with the maid. She runs out of the house but turns around to get some of her things. When she walks in, her husband is in the living room reading the paper. She says, I just saw you in bed with the maid. He tells her that she is mistaken, he was in the living room reading the paper. He goes on to say, “Who are you going to believe, me or your own lying eyes. As for the keepers of history, check our the number of historical errors that have been distributed by textbook publishers recently.

      Report Post » handsmcml  
  • Professional Infidel
    Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:10pm

    I wouldn’t care if it was a monkey replacing the teachers, kids would learn more than now.

    Report Post »  
    • teddrunk
      Posted on April 16, 2011 at 8:42am

      Actually, watching the latest videos of kids fighting and tearing up a restaurant, I’m thinking an “Alpha Monkey” to lead them is all they need.

      Report Post »  
  • momprayn
    Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:03pm

    Yay! More power and blessings to him!!!

    Report Post »  
  • Eric_The_Red_State
    Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:00pm

    As usual – because of red-tape and government over involvement – we are at best a “runner up” to other countries. Government is not the solution – Government is the problem.
    Give the education back to the states to decide. Stop pushing progressive agenda in schools. Make teachers accountable. Fire bad teachers. Hire good ones.

    Is that too hard to understand?

    Report Post » Eric_The_Red_State  
    • Non-sequitur
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:21pm

      We are a runner-up to countries with very big government influence and powerful unions.

      Doesn’t that make you think?

      Report Post »  
    • thermonator
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:52pm

      We spend more on education then any other country, even then those who are better at educating their children then we are.
      Doesn’t that make you think?

      Report Post » thermonator  
  • ivote
    Posted on April 15, 2011 at 6:58pm

    We can only hope! Good riddance. But here in NC, the schools are so awful, and yet…no unions! What is really needed across the country is choice. Funny, I didn’t realize I was “pro-choice.” But yet when it comes to schools…I am defiantly pro-choice.

    Report Post » ivote  
    • quipster
      Posted on April 16, 2011 at 2:21am

      but they make just as much money as union teacher. Todays teacher are just outright really bad, what was in Wisconsin only 35% of eithth graders passed there reading test. Can’t get and worst than that. Teacher just don’t care about your kids to day, just it for the money plus their all liberals!!!

      Report Post »  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on April 15, 2011 at 6:57pm

    Sure hope he’s right and technology does away with unions,they’re parasitic and need to be done away with.

    Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • Kalshion
      Posted on April 16, 2011 at 2:42am

      Except that technology is far easier to control and manipulate than a human being is actually. I’d still rather have a teacher (non-union that is, or private school level) teaching my child than some brainwashed goon.

      Report Post »  
  • Salamander
    Posted on April 15, 2011 at 6:54pm

    Wait for the unions to monopolize the educational distribution networks–if they were smart enough! But, I’m not sure a movement that depends on people-greed can adapt to controlling the information dispenser!

    Report Post »  
    • teachermitch32
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 8:11pm

      That certainly is a reasonable fear. Many districts have already corrupted the learning message by adopting text books that have erronious or one sided information…history, science, etc… If ever the WWW comes into use by the public schools in a prevasive way you can be sure that some progressive will be the one to “approve” what can and cannot be used online by the students. I don’t see using this technology for teaching as a bad thing, especially if it replaces bad teachers and leaves the good ones, thereby reducing the cost of education. However, at the administrative level and regarding what is taught, I will still have concerns.

      Report Post »  
  • FUSOCIALISTS
    Posted on April 15, 2011 at 6:53pm

    Technology may replace teachers, but will the ‘teachings’ also be changed. The left-ists took control of the message in schools… this too needs to change.

    “… over his butt…” lmao Darmok

    Report Post »  
    • Islesfordian
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 8:54pm

      What if we had a Constitutional amendmnet giving parents full veto power over every subject, lesson and textbook in their public school?

      My idea is that parents can choose what their child will be taught by opting out of what they object. They would not be able to demand the schools teach something else in its place, so it wouldn’t increase the number of courses taught. This is an OPT OUT ONLY policy. But if the core curriculum WAS reduced to what was commonly agreed upon it would become clear that the basics of Math, English, Sciences (with the exception of evolution), languages and art would be nearly universal in acceptance. All sex ed would be optional, as would a lot of history for SOME parents (so much history is biased to particular points of view). Social studies would be scuttled and Civics would be brought back.

      Even if they opt their children out of a few classes parents should be able to find within the public schools acceptable subjects for their children’s education. If the schools have nothing that is acceptable to a sizeable percentage of parents what does that say about the nature of the schools they are paying for with their taxes? It shouldn’t be an all our nothing situation. The public schools should not be able to say to parents “If you want any ”free“ schooling you have to accept EVERYTHING we say”.

      Report Post » Islesfordian  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on April 16, 2011 at 12:25pm

      @Isles

      You put that very well. Hard to argue with any of it.
      But lets watch, I’m sure someone will try. They will fail, but they will try anyway.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on April 15, 2011 at 6:50pm

    Hope Mr Moe is right, the unions need to go the way of the dinosaurs, and we need teachers who can teach and a system that will teach them the American way, not the progressive way.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • No To The Tea Party
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 6:57pm

      The American way ????

      Do you have any idea how ignorant that statement is ????

      Of course you don’t and you never will.

       
    • thermonator
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:24pm

      @No To The Tea Party

      Yea sure, you know, the American way. BPCI, before politically correct indoctrination.

      Report Post » thermonator  
    • pembpix
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:34pm

      @ NO to the tea party, So EVERYONE’S POSITION AND ATTITUDES ARE TO BE RESPECTED TOLERATED AND EVEN CELEBRATED EXCEPT FOR THE CONSERVATIVE’S OPINION??!?!? IS THAT THE WAY IT IS? I THOUGHT YOU LEFTIST LIBBERS WANTS AMERICANS TO RESPECT EVERYONE IDEAS. YOU PEOPLE ARE SOOOO TRANSPARENT. NEVER FORGET DIRT-BAG WE IN THE TEA PARTY ARE PEACEFUL LOVING PEOPLE BUT WE SURROUND YOU! AND YOUR TIME IS SHORT.

      Report Post »  
    • concealled9mms
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:46pm

      right on liberal teachers are on there way out thank god the adults in this country see how corrupt many teachers have become

      Report Post »  
    • DogWithA_Bone
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:47pm

      @No To The Tea Party
      The American way ????
      Do you have any idea how ignorant that statement is ????
      Of course you don’t and you never will.

      …The American way is actually working for a living and not waiting around for someone else to pay. The American way is picking your ownself up after you fall and getting back out there and doing whatever it takes (within moral reason) to provide for yourself and your family. The American way is helping your neighbor out when you see a need or stopping to help when you know someone needs it. The American way has to do with the least possible gov’t interference. You need to read up on history… America is pioneers… America is We the people… America is NOT big gov’t!

      Report Post » DogWithA_Bone  
    • Ironmaan
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:57pm

      –NOTOtHETEaparty

      Tell me how it feels to be a societal leech. Your statements clearly reveal your fear that your free ride is ending and that you will soon be wallowing in the slop that is your life without the productive class. The American way is based on self reliance not a pathetic dependance on others. I am a relatively wealthy man, i worked hard for it and I intend to keep every dime for myself and my family and keep it from losers such as yourself. I would sooner burn every dollar than willingly give it to scum such as yourself.
      http://guerillatics.com

      Report Post »  
    • WHITE LOTUS2x
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 8:06pm

      Noto the teaparty…..If you are so dam smart, why dont you explain in detail on your thoughts of snow leopards comment. Lotus.

      Report Post »  
    • Quagaar Warrior
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 8:16pm

      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
      Hey, No To The Tea Party,
      Still suffering from a 2010 election day hangover I see. You poor guy, gal or whatever.
      If you think the 2010 elections were bad, (because of us Tea Partiers), just wait ’till the 2012 elections. You won‘t have to worry about a hangover then because we’re going to send you into an election day coma and we’ll be laughing all the way to the ballot box!!!
      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

      Report Post »  
    • rcw1120
      Posted on April 17, 2011 at 12:20am

      @No to the tea party

      Dont worry, not everyone on this site is a “righteous and brave” Right wing whack job. You arent alone. Dont fear, one day they and their children will be shocked to find out that not everyone can coast through life with the blessing of money and organized religion. Dont worry. Dont fret. They cant stop us. Why? We have human rights on our side, organized thought, peace, and determination. We teach the children, we pull the slack that isnt good enough for the right wing. We are the back bone. We are strong.

      cowace10@uwgb.edu

      Report Post » rcw1120  
    • handsmcml
      Posted on April 17, 2011 at 1:21am

      Superman Returns pretty much died on the vine be cause of the phrase “Truth, Justice, and that other stuff.” There are a lot of people who believe in truth, justice and the American way. At least the way it was before we let the Progressives-Socialist-Communist hijack the country. We need to get back to the Constitution.

      Report Post » handsmcml  
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on April 15, 2011 at 6:47pm

    My son told me today that there was a Straight Gay and Lesbian movement for a day of silence, all students were encouraged to wear a red ribbon or duct tape to show support. I told him he should just wear duct tape over his butt, of course to show support.

    If this is what our teachers support, I say homeschool or private school, they will not get another vote to raise a bond issue again.

    Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • joe conservative
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:02pm

      That’s too funny Darmok. This liberalism in our schools is so out of hand. I agree with the private or home schooling thing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF5CL4gmeOw Public schools have become indoctrination camps.

      Report Post » joe conservative  
    • copperstatekid
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:07pm

      Holy *%&@! I’m still laughing extremely hard from you duct tape comment! You literally had my wife and I in stitches! Thanks for the laugh!

      Report Post » copperstatekid  
    • godlovinmom
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:10pm

      homeschooling is easy…just your time…two to four hours a day…I swear its worth it!…K12 a great nationwide public online school.

      Report Post » godlovinmom  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:14pm

      God Bless Glen Beck

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:14pm

      Amen

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
    • Obeckian1984
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:16pm

      Whatever happened to Tower7femacamp and DASHRIPROCK ?

      Report Post » Obeckian1984  
    • Obeckian1984
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:20pm

      where have you been Tower7 ?
      I miss you and DASH fighting

      Report Post » Obeckian1984  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:22pm

      I miss those guys, They are entertaining.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • Robert-CA
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:22pm

      DARMOK AND JALAD AT TANAGRA
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 6:47pm
      I told him he should just wear duct tape over his butt, of course to show support.
      _______________________
      LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Report Post » Robert-CA  
    • Obeckian1984
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:23pm

      yes it is very slow without them

      Report Post » Obeckian1984  
    • Obama Snake Oil Co
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:28pm

      Well, my dog is a democrat, however, the only reason to keep her and take care of her…she doesn’t bark, is warm and fuzzy….otherwise….send them to Iran will they can show their compassionate side. This is kind of how I feel for democrats…send them to Iran for a few years….in most cases…we would never have to worry about them…they would never be heard of again. I am sure the sensitive people in the middle east would wellcome them in with open arms…..Hey, liberals like to get stoned..and “their” cut of America, this would just be the world they have always dreamed of, getting stoned and getting their cut from Iran!

      Report Post » Obama Snake Oil Co  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:33pm

      Obeckian, I don’t know what happened to DASH but I am being Censored
      and have not been allowed to post, I don’t know if this will make it on the board
      or not, but you get tiered when everything you post almost never gets on the board.

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:34pm

      I mean Tired

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
    • NuffSaid
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:36pm

      Darmok- I love you!

      Instead of passing out condoms to preschooler, pass out rolls of duct tape! Demonstrate how to apply the tape using a grapefruit.

      More like this Thanks!

      Report Post »  
    • Obeckian1984
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:39pm

      Tower7 well I am sorry to here that, you guys had some great posts.
      You were right about buying silver thanks.

      Report Post » Obeckian1984  
    • linda716
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:40pm

      That is so funny. Good for U!

      Report Post » linda716  
    • concealled9mms
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:42pm

      right on teachers are trash just like liberals and if they are liberal teachers then you really have a mess

      Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:50pm

      @Darmok and Jalad

      Interesting place to wear duct tape…LOL!!! Good one!!!

      If teachers are supporting such junk, and expecting to continue getting away with it, then it shows just one more reason the old unions need to go into the night.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • warmac9999
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:53pm

      I don’t know the size of your school, but for every gay child, if they are in truth gay, there are about 60 straight kids. I think there out to be a heterosexual dayof rage to compensate for the homosexual day of silence.

      Report Post »  
    • Quagaar Warrior
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:54pm

      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
      U. seless
      N. on-educators
      .I. nfiltrating
      O. ur
      N. ation’s
      S. chools
      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

      Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 7:56pm

      @Darmok:

      Here is a link to the matter you mentioned of:

      http://trevorloudon.com/2011/04/welcome-to-our-homosexual-day-of-silence/

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • NuffSaid
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 8:04pm

      I just love the duct tape image. Duct tape could become the symbol of a new political party-Plumber Joes

      Report Post »  
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 8:20pm

      Teachers will still be needed to maintain order, for open discussions, to maintain equipment and for the human touch! Sorry don’t believe technology will take over all of the duties of teaching especially in primary school levels. http://maboulette.wordpress.com

      Report Post » walkwithme1966  
    • maumau
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 8:54pm

      thats why we plan to do both home school and private school are the only way to go to save our kids

      Report Post » maumau  
    • 101
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 9:14pm

      Both my kids took high school & college courses at home, it’s called online classes…this is nothing new just has never been implemented and used to its full extent…GREAT IDEA my kids actually learned more from the online courses than they ever would’ve sitting in class listening to a loony union teacher ranting on!

      Report Post »  
    • BetterDays
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 9:17pm

      @tower7
      I’ve missed you too, and you infer that Betsy censors……..Really?( sarcasm ).
      I think you moniker so says it all, in fact I’ve been digging a tunnel ( secretly of course ) towards my nears FEMA camp, only a few hunded more yards to go until I reach the towers. Actually I haven’t, but I will probally regret not doing so.
      Glad your back, now quit being so truthful, er, I mean controversial.

      Report Post »  
    • jackrorabbit
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 10:33pm

      I homeschool, and my daughter can keep pace with the kids in second grade with about one hour of schooling. It is actually quite sad, she just turned 8 and is already solving 16+4=13+r
      It may not sound “hard”(because it isn’t), but this is consider pre-algebra, and not taught until 6th grade. According to the teachers that I was around, it is because the students cannot grasp the “abstract” until then.

      Report Post »  
    • snidley-whiplash
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 10:36pm

      It’s worth repeating over and over and over and over.

      Teachers Unions and America’s Public Schools, has a message for the teachers unions:

      Rest In Peace, because your days are numbered.

      Report Post » snidley-whiplash  
    • jzs
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 10:54pm

      You know, I hate to use the word “stupid.” Generally use of that word reflect more on the speaker than the object of their scorn. But the concept computers can replace teachers is stupid. Sorry, I used S word.

      Anyone who buys into this either has never had children, or were not involved with their lives. Our children spend several hours a day with teachers in Kindergarten, and then eight as they move up. And what do they learn? They learn the what capital of Idaho is. And how to add two single digit numbers.

      Yes, they learn those things and yes, they can – and do – learn those things at a computer, although without a teacher’s support I wonder how much progress the average kid would actually make.

      But is that what school is for? Learning that Boise is the capital of Idaho? Hardly. School is valuable because it’s teaches children how to behave in a social setting under the guidance of a teacher. Teachers show kids how to cooperate with on another, they teach them socials norms (which may be absent at home), they protect them and they challenge them, invdividaually to learn.

      My high school student tells me daily of statements the teachers made to provoke though, something a computer can’t do.

      Most educated people can point to a single teacher, or maybe two, that dramatically influenced their direction in life and credit them for their success.

      But why do I spend my time on this? This thread isn’t about technology, it’s about saying teachers make too much money. It’s about people who have no teacher who they credit with their direction in life. It’s about people who place no value in education. It’s about people who think the US will remain dominant in the world with good education. It’s about people who think we should get rid of teachers because a their kid can sit in front of a computer and learn the capital of Idaho, and then become Mother Teresa or Lincoln.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • OneFootRandy
      Posted on April 16, 2011 at 1:44am

      Has JZS ever made one honest factual post here? I have never seen one person so wrong on everything.

      Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on April 16, 2011 at 2:16am

      Hey JZS,

      Sniff…sniff….that was so touching.
      As long as socialist “teachers” keep pumping out good little marxists like you, I say, bring on the machines.

      Good morning Mrs.Univac, here, I brought you an “Applet” and a cup of “Java”

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on April 16, 2011 at 2:43am

      @JZS

      I don’t post many details of my personal life, but I promise you that the first sentence of your 2nd paragraph could not BE more wrong.

      Nobody is saying that technology will replace ALL teachers. Just that it will allow the good ones to handle more students. Thus allowing the taxpayers to trim a lot of the fat out of the education budget by kicking the lousy, union protected failures out on their “collective” azzes. Which IS after all, the point of this story.

      You guys just freeking over dramatize EVERYTHING.
      You have cried wolf far too often for your bleatings to have any credible meaning.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on April 16, 2011 at 3:08am

      @ONEFOOTRANDY

      Some say that a factual JZS post was unearthed recently. The scientific community is presently carbon dating it to determine it’s age.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • GETLIFE
      Posted on April 16, 2011 at 6:42am

      We homeschooled in a faraway land–and know first hand that technology has helped to provide an excellent education for our children. The teachers with whom we have had contact tend to be independent in spirit and exceptional teachers. State subsidized (often free for residents) online programs are commonly available. Problem is, if they pay, they control; all of the public school rules regulations and “standards” apply. Going private and paying your way= freedom from all of those issues leeching off the public school system–and your child’s education.

      Report Post » GETLIFE  
    • MOLLYPITCHER
      Posted on April 16, 2011 at 7:26am

      @Darmok
      I agree 100%. Homeschooling is the way to go!
      I’m so glad that is what my family does, and we don’t have to worry about this garbage getting in to their heads.

      Report Post »  
    • kjmalone1
      Posted on April 16, 2011 at 8:52am

      Only Captain Picard and his crew could have figured out Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra.

      Report Post »  
    • dawg of gawd
      Posted on April 16, 2011 at 9:53am

      Technology? I thought charter schools were going to replace teachers? No, it was home schooling. No, it’s computers now.

      More witless speculation from the right wing extremists. Make up your minds . . . for ONCE . . .about ANYTHING.

      Report Post » dawg of gawd  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on April 16, 2011 at 12:05pm

      @dawg

      Good morning my little canine-American friend.
      Time for class.

      You thought charter schools would replace teachers? How so? No one I know thought that. No one with half a brain thought that.

      No, my friend, charter schools would replace typical PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
      Charter schools would still require teachers. (I said teachers, not union hacks). These teachers would be held responsible for their performance.

      And lastly, “We The People” have most definitely made up our minds.
      We have decided to reclaim our land and restore it’s greatness.
      We have decided to relegate progressives / marxists / leftists / liberals, back to the bottom of the dung heap you crawled out from under.

      Sucks to be you.

      Ooops, there’s the bell, class over, you can go now.
      Your master is here to pick you up.

      Hello there Mr. Soros, may I ask if dawg is having troubles at home? He does not play well with others, and he seems to have a bone to pick with everyone.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • TruthLover
      Posted on April 16, 2011 at 1:42pm

      The union is already irrelevant to me. I homeschool. I totally believe that the best education can be canned and posted online for everyone. All we really need are study hall monitors and maybe science lab techs and PE teachers. I love my teacher friends, but they really should probably start preparing for a major shift like that.

      Report Post » TruthLover  
    • Vickie Dhaene
      Posted on April 16, 2011 at 3:38pm

      That was too very funny!! Send that to Dennis Miller c/: O’Reilly. He would love it.

      Report Post »  
    • Ruler4You
      Posted on April 16, 2011 at 5:45pm

      This is what unions have brought to the classroom. Not education. Indoctrination. The move away from education to socialist idealism is as obvious as the nose on your face. It’s time it was stopped. Period.

      Report Post » Ruler4You  
    • rcw1120
      Posted on April 16, 2011 at 6:44pm

      Screw you, the Day of Silence is a great silent protest against your anti gay bullying, I am proud to participate. The teachers should and do support it to.

      Report Post » rcw1120  
    • mrsmileyface
      Posted on April 16, 2011 at 6:48pm

      @ Therightsofbilly Why would you take Dawgs bait.

      Report Post » mrsmileyface  
    • Taquoshi
      Posted on April 16, 2011 at 10:49pm

      to JZR -

      The curriculum that my spouse and I chose for our son to use for math had an accompanying video. It worked out because the teacher never got tired of repeating the same things over and over and over and over again. As a matter of fact, the video cleared up a few stumbling blocks for me and opened up whole new vistas.

      However, I came to appreciate how hard my Algebra I teacher worked to get me to understand the principles. Once I “got it”, I went to the cemetery where my Algebra I teacher is buried and said to him, “I know you gave it your best shot, and I just wanted to say, I understand it now. It makes sense. Thank you for trying so hard.”

      The technology allows a student to proceed at their own pace and also allows for a variety of subjects that normally wouldn’t be available. Our son checked out a video course from a local library on early architecture and thoroughly enjoyed it. He also attended classes with other home schooled kids.

      Now that he’s in college, he pointed out that the kids that went to public school simply don’t seem to know how to think a problem through. Once they are told how to figure it out, they’ve got it, but problem solving is foreign to them. So, I do think there will continue to be a role for teachers, but that technology will play a greater and greater role in the coming years.

      And quite truthfully, having sat through five year’s worth of school budget hearings, I’m sick of hearing parents whine about dance classes and ice hockey. I’m tired of hearing about how our city is “denying” their child a good education because we can’t increase the budget simply because no one has the money to do so. Hearing the local teachers union president accuse everyone of every nefarious motive and action under the sun becomes boring after the third time through. The teachers unions exist to protect the interest of the teachers, not the students. I won’t be sorry to see them fade into oblivion, that’s for sure.

      Report Post » Taquoshi  
1 2 3

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love