Tag: education

Education facing the budget axe

It's bad enough that Utah Legislators are attempting to destroy the public educational system in the state.  Along with bills that want to transfer control from the State Board over to the Legilators or the Governor (depending on which bill), the Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee has proposed a total of  $257 million dollars to education … Continue reading Education facing the budget axe

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Mineral and Petroleum “Literacy” Act: “Balanced” curriculum?

Legislators are on the move this year to take control of Utah's education system (SJR1 and SJR9).  It seems that there are already steps being taken to write curriculum in the form of legislation. Rep. Jack Draxler, R-Logan, is pushing legislation that would require educators to "consider" adding lessons into the curriculum about energy development, … Continue reading Mineral and Petroleum “Literacy” Act: “Balanced” curriculum?

Micro-managing school budgets vs. the real issues

The two fundamental problems in our educational system in Utah are (1) not enough per pupil spending (Utah is last in the nation) and (2) top heavy spending in the school districts (administration, etc.) for what benefits students are actually receiving.  #1 is by far the greatest issue.  Yet some legislators are choosing what I … Continue reading Micro-managing school budgets vs. the real issues

ASVAB Bill passes in MD

Pat Elder sent this out today: The Maryland Senate narrowly approved a measure today that will prohibit the automatic release of ASVAB test results to military recruiters by public schools.  The vote was 24-23.  Opponents charged the bill was unpatriotic and anti-military, particularly in a "time of war."   Currently, thousands of Maryland high school students are … Continue reading ASVAB Bill passes in MD

War and Peace: Militarizing Our Youth

Today is another Blog Action Day over at Green Change.  The theme for today is War and Peace.  This is a timely connection to the 7th anniversary of the Invasion and Occupation of Iraq by Coalition Forces and the continuing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.   I have chosen to focus my war and peace … Continue reading War and Peace: Militarizing Our Youth

Still We Rise

The last day of the Utah Legislature for 2010 saw a rally by students called “Still We Rise”, a group of activists, students and community members which unveiled  a “Student Bill of Rights.” (Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune)Rally Statement:“We the Communities take back the power to declare our inalienable rights that have been … Continue reading Still We Rise

Education: Everyone’s “bag”

Education is always a hot topic in the Legislature and this year is no exception.  Issues such as how to keep our students safe, how to best educate them with the funding provided, what and what not to teach them, class size…..the list is overwhelming.  The education of our children is and should be high … Continue reading Education: Everyone’s “bag”

One Large Step Backwards; One Giant Leap Back to the Dark Ages

Today the Senate Education Committee heard testimony in support of SB54 Health Education Amendments, which would require schools to incorporate instruction abut contraceptives in health education course. Planned Parenthood of Utah sent out this message after the hearing: Despite the presence of numerous pediatricians, teachers, students, researchers, and parents willing to testify in favor of … Continue reading One Large Step Backwards; One Giant Leap Back to the Dark Ages

Why Stop At 12th Grade? Just Do Away With Education All Together!

The proposal to to cut out the 12th grade to save $60 million in Utah’s Budget has generated much commentary in the blogosphere.Over at the Jonathan Turley Blog, an interesting (tongue in cheek) concept has been presented as a result of Sen. Chris Buttars’ proposal :It is not clear why legislators have decided to keep … Continue reading Why Stop At 12th Grade? Just Do Away With Education All Together!