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Utah still ranks last in student spending
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MadMax | 12:58 a.m. April 7, 2008
While the legislature should be complimented for appropriating additional public
education funds, Utah remains in last place by a substantial margin. This
circumstance must change or Utah students will see the admirable scores on tests
and high graduation rates disappear. Utah faces a severe shortage of teachers.
Already Granite School District has over 100 openings for next year. There will
be several hundred more by the time summer arrives. Other districts faces
similar or more serious shortages. Where will Utah get several thousand
teachers next year to fill vacancies and to staff new classes? More Utah
teaching graduates leave Utah for positions in other states because pay is
better outside of Utah. Hard decisions must be made soon about marked pay
increases for teachers. Unless higher pay becomes a reality, we will see many
classrooms without teachers when school begins in the near future. We can not
continue to stack 'em deep and teach 'em cheap. Eventually the piper
will be paid and that payment will be more expensive than what it would have
cost to provide better funding for education. The old cliche holds true here -
'You can pay now or pay later.'
Ronald A. Young | 2:44 a.m. April 7, 2008
It is not how much you spend it is what you do with the money. There has to be a
willingness to Teach and a willingness to learn. All the money in the world will
not change that.
This is good news! | 4:25 a.m. April 7, 2008
This is good news, not bad! A better headline would have been "Utah
students excel, despite limited ed funds."
I am a product of Utah's public schools and am grateful for the start it gave me toward college and a great career. And I'm glad my parents and other taxpayers didn't have to pay and arm and a leg for my education. They did pay an arm, but not a leg. :-)
I am a product of Utah's public schools and am grateful for the start it gave me toward college and a great career. And I'm glad my parents and other taxpayers didn't have to pay and arm and a leg for my education. They did pay an arm, but not a leg. :-)
Comments continue below
Here's to the Real Heroes | 4:53 a.m. April 7, 2008
THE TEACHERS! For a state which is suppose to intelligence based..the reward for
teaching goes untouched. We will pay in so many ways..lose some brilliant
teachers who will go elsewhere. I know of many teachers who live in some dire
situations with large families, remained committed , perform excellent then year
after year aren't allowed to drink from the silver cup they so deserve to.
Thanks to all the good teachers who have helped my children to succeed under
some very trying situations large class size, no child left behind and lack of
funding being paramount. With out you , we as a state will pay sooner or later!
Aware | 6:10 a.m. April 7, 2008
That article is written to make it sound like school spending per pupil is a
national sport and the winner spends the most money.
I would say that Utah leads the nation in conserving taxpayer monies and the rest of the states are the ones out of step.
I take particular interest in this bit of obfuscation from the article.
"Peterson said the reason for Utah's low per-pupil spending is two-fold. It's partially demographics, he says, noting that one in five Utahns are public school students compared to one in seven nationally."
Perhaps one in five may have been public school attendees or graduates at some point in their lifetime, but I hardly think the adult population is currently attending.
Obviously we do have some failing in the system when it comes to proper language skills to express an easily understood thought, but that has been a universal problem across the land since federal "Aid to Education" was ushered in by the good old boy, LBJ.
More money will never cure that as long as government mandated programs are allowed to dictate how funds and time are to be wasted in the classrooms.
I would say that Utah leads the nation in conserving taxpayer monies and the rest of the states are the ones out of step.
I take particular interest in this bit of obfuscation from the article.
"Peterson said the reason for Utah's low per-pupil spending is two-fold. It's partially demographics, he says, noting that one in five Utahns are public school students compared to one in seven nationally."
Perhaps one in five may have been public school attendees or graduates at some point in their lifetime, but I hardly think the adult population is currently attending.
Obviously we do have some failing in the system when it comes to proper language skills to express an easily understood thought, but that has been a universal problem across the land since federal "Aid to Education" was ushered in by the good old boy, LBJ.
More money will never cure that as long as government mandated programs are allowed to dictate how funds and time are to be wasted in the classrooms.
Bob Davidson | 6:31 a.m. April 7, 2008
Being a school board member, what you read here is true. We must get up with the
rest of the nation when it comes to education. These are our leaders of
tomorrow. Why can't Utah institute a one cent sales tax raise to help with
our funding needs. It is especially tough to run a school district in rural
areas when the money just isn't there. With increases in fuel, our
transportation budgets are out of control. Give our kids credit, they are
phenominal students. Imagine what could happen with the proper funding. These
students deserve this as do teachers. We, as a state need to wake up and get
with the program.
Spend It Better | 6:26 a.m. April 7, 2008
Since when does education spending equal success? Do we want to be like DC with
the highest spending and the worst educational system? Absolutely not.
It's not how much money we spend that matters -- it's how we spending
it! Unfortunately, we don't spend it well. Mr Peterson should know that
our students are not performing well academically. We have too many parents,
teachers, and administrators who feel like school is taxpayer-paid daycare. We
have too many school boards and districts that are more interested in
entertainment and socialization than academics.
Anonymous | 6:31 a.m. April 7, 2008
Something truly to be proud of!
Anonymous | 6:42 a.m. April 7, 2008
Last in teacher pay
Last in per student funding
Largest class sizes in the nation
Splits districts instead of consolidating them
Utah A pretty odd State
Last in per student funding
Largest class sizes in the nation
Splits districts instead of consolidating them
Utah A pretty odd State
Repubs out Dems in | 6:43 a.m. April 7, 2008
This will all change when we run the "last priority is education"
republicans out of here, or at least the majority.
If we as constituents care about education we will get these guys out of here.
If we as constituents care about education we will get these guys out of here.
Anonymous | 7:05 a.m. April 7, 2008
SAT scores in Utah should not be presented here as evidence. Western
Universities use the ACT, and not the SAT. So only highly ambitious students
who want to go to elite schools in the East and in Califoria would take the SAT,
whereas in the Eastern United States, all students, ambitious and non-ambitious
take the SAT. So it is by no means reflective of state academic achievement.
Elviejo | 7:20 a.m. April 7, 2008
Congratulations to the educators in Utah for the results of their work. However,
the old song and dance of money, money, money by the UEA is put to rests by the
fact Utah students do so well on the ACT test. When will the legislature and the
schools finally realize there is little, if any, relation to the amount spent
per student and the education resulting from the dollars spent?
If the entire state budget were given to the schools, the educators would still whine for more money. If they would spend as much time on economic efficiency as they do on whining, there would be even more economical and better education in the state.
One simple idea illustrates my point. The number of school disticts in Utah could be reduced with a savings of millions of dollars per year. But, Oh no, that sacred cow can't even be visited by the greedy educators. Go whine somewhere else, I am tired listening to them.
If the entire state budget were given to the schools, the educators would still whine for more money. If they would spend as much time on economic efficiency as they do on whining, there would be even more economical and better education in the state.
One simple idea illustrates my point. The number of school disticts in Utah could be reduced with a savings of millions of dollars per year. But, Oh no, that sacred cow can't even be visited by the greedy educators. Go whine somewhere else, I am tired listening to them.
Craig | 7:33 a.m. April 7, 2008
Utah would appear much more competitive with other states if the other 49 states
would cut their wasteful spending and follow the efficient Utah model. The
notion that we should spend another $500 million just to catch Idaho so that
we're not on the bottom of some meaningless list is absurd.
Something is wrong | 7:37 a.m. April 7, 2008
so we spend $5,437 per student in the state. Thats a good chunck of change.
Now, if you go to the Utah Department of Corrections website they say that they
spend about $25,000 per inmate per year.
OVER 4 TIMES THE AMOUNT!!!
I guess that we find it more important to spend money on those people who bring down society then to try and spend money on students in hopes that they may lift up society.
I'm glad that Utah has it's priorities strait.
OVER 4 TIMES THE AMOUNT!!!
I guess that we find it more important to spend money on those people who bring down society then to try and spend money on students in hopes that they may lift up society.
I'm glad that Utah has it's priorities strait.
Dave | 7:35 a.m. April 7, 2008
The headline could have read, Utah first in spending eficiency.
Rick | 7:39 a.m. April 7, 2008
That may be true, and I do feel bad about it, not to mention a sense of
responsibility to do something about it. But the plain and simple fact is that
I'm completely tapped out. I simply cannot afford to send anyone any more
money either in the form of donations or increased taxes of any kind, so please
don't ask me (or force me) to pay any more.
Geezer | 7:40 a.m. April 7, 2008
Defending Utah's low investment in students by citing Advanced Placement
and SAT scores doesn't really cover the subject, does it? Those would only
be students in the most ambitious college-bound segment. How does the total
population of students stack up against students in other states?
disgruntled | 7:53 a.m. April 7, 2008
As long as we continue to do more with less--have higher test scores and
graduation rates than other states--we'll continually get less money, and
less respect for having asked for more money. But the time will come when the
system begins to collapse on itself (that may have started already, with the
severe teacher shortage), and by then it will be too late to fix.
Censorship | 7:54 a.m. April 7, 2008
How much does the Deseret News censor these comments? Only a fraction of those
written seem to be posted.
Anonymous | 7:57 a.m. April 7, 2008
I would love to see a class in Utah that only has 23 kids. The only ones I know
of at the secondary level are special ed classes. Many science and math classes
have 35 or more. And we wonder why our math and science scores aren't as
high as we think they should be.
It is a miracle anyone will teach in this state. Lack of respect from some parents and students. Low pay. etc.
As soon as we get starting salaries up to $40,000 things will improve.
It is a miracle anyone will teach in this state. Lack of respect from some parents and students. Low pay. etc.
As soon as we get starting salaries up to $40,000 things will improve.
other side | 8:04 a.m. April 7, 2008
I am pleased to see greater attention by the state to improving teacher's
salaries. I disagree with what is stated here as it attempts to paint a poor
picture of the states commitment to education. The implication is that Utah
spends less per student which means Utah is less committed to education then
even..(gasp) Idaho. Yet it needs to be understood that the amount of money as a
percentage of available state budget paid by the state toward education is one
of the very highest in the nation. I think if the press continues to use state
to state comparisons as the basis for their argument they had better realize
that the counter argument is much stronger. The facts clearly show that money
per pupil doesn't equate to higher test scores! I say quit beating the
wrong drum!!!
Bob | 8:12 a.m. April 7, 2008
It's not about catching up with Idaho, it's about doing the very best
we can for our children. It's about rewarding teachers who choose to work
in Utah. If our kids are performing above the national average now, what could
they do if we really boosted spending?! We need to do better by our children
and compete for the best teachers!
Wow! | 8:43 a.m. April 7, 2008
The anti education lobby sure came out in force today. Are the voucher people
still paying you to post about education issues?
The simple fact is we are losing teachers to neighboring states each year. Mainly Nevada. Now that their housing prices are crashing while ours are staying relatively steady, it is even more enticing to leave.
The fact of the matter is simple...
Raise teacher salaries to $45,000 to start and we will keep teachers here. If we don't we will see a steady decline in teacher quality. It is already happening. A vast majority of new teachers are gone within 5 years. Especially science and math. They can work for industry for $60,000 or education for $30,000 and no respect. What would you do?
The simple fact is we are losing teachers to neighboring states each year. Mainly Nevada. Now that their housing prices are crashing while ours are staying relatively steady, it is even more enticing to leave.
The fact of the matter is simple...
Raise teacher salaries to $45,000 to start and we will keep teachers here. If we don't we will see a steady decline in teacher quality. It is already happening. A vast majority of new teachers are gone within 5 years. Especially science and math. They can work for industry for $60,000 or education for $30,000 and no respect. What would you do?
Wayne | 8:50 a.m. April 7, 2008
Last in funding 9th in AP test wellabove average in SAT test. Is funding
related to performance. The data says no What is the performance in NY I am
sure it is near the bottom in spite of spending more than double Utah's
Here in Minnesota the Twin Cities urban schools get much more funding than the
rural schools yet the students performance in the rural schools is far far
better. Also should the the schools and teachers get the credit for getting the
most of out of the funding in Utah or is it due to the ability and motivation of
Utah's students and involved and caring parents.
Blue | 8:50 a.m. April 7, 2008
Sounds like Utah has done a good business in that they have maximized student
testing scores while minimizing expenditure. Also, Utah will never increase
education spending to the level of other states unitl they start raising money
the same way; with a lottery.
hello! | 8:48 a.m. April 7, 2008
interestingly how teacher unions and schools always complain about the lack of
funds and how they can't educate the children without more money. Look at
how well the schools are doing academically while spending the least in all
fifty states.
Craig | 9:16 a.m. April 7, 2008
Bob wrote: " If our kids are performing above the national average now,
what could they do if we really boosted spending?" The answer is simple:
No better than what they are doing now. What does New York get for spending
$14K per student? Are there children better educated? I see no reason
whatsoever to increase education spending in this state.
Incomplete Comparisons | 9:16 a.m. April 7, 2008
I think comparisons in general have to be qualified. Why does New York have to
spend so much per student? Why is Idaho spending so much per student? With
spending so little per student why does Utah continue to come out in the top
tier of educated students?
Could it be that Utah is in scoring because of its demographics (Particullarly LDS culture of education). Maybe in New York regulations require higher costs. Maybe in Idaho the per student spending is high because they haven't achieved economies of scale.
I live in California and I am tired of hearing about underpaid teachers (who can earn as much as $110,000 a year), or delapidated school buildings (yet our lottery winnings were supposed to take care of that), or....
Utah...do yourself a favor. Don't depend on the government, continue doing what what you are doing and squelch the complaints with your test scores.
Could it be that Utah is in scoring because of its demographics (Particullarly LDS culture of education). Maybe in New York regulations require higher costs. Maybe in Idaho the per student spending is high because they haven't achieved economies of scale.
I live in California and I am tired of hearing about underpaid teachers (who can earn as much as $110,000 a year), or delapidated school buildings (yet our lottery winnings were supposed to take care of that), or....
Utah...do yourself a favor. Don't depend on the government, continue doing what what you are doing and squelch the complaints with your test scores.
New money | 9:19 a.m. April 7, 2008
Is it really "new" money? Our legislature is good at reauthorizing
programs and calling those expenditures "new" money. With that type of
smoke and mirrors, we will never catch up. Also, what percentage of that
"new"money went to colleges and universities? We need someone to dig
this all up. What happened to good ol' investigative news reporting?
Jud | 9:25 a.m. April 7, 2008
Massachusetts leads the nation in test scores. It also leads the nation in per
pupil spending. Does it occur to anyone here that there might be a correlation?
Spend more money carefully | 9:29 a.m. April 7, 2008
Spending more money isn't the answer UNLESS it goes straight to the
teachers.
Right now when more money comes from the legislature it goes to one of two places. It pays for the increase of students (like it should). Or it goes to some NEW PROGRAM the district has come up with (usually from California which is funny).
It NEVER makes its way to the teachers unless the legislature forces it there like last year.
PAY THEM MORE AND THEY WILL STAY!
Right now when more money comes from the legislature it goes to one of two places. It pays for the increase of students (like it should). Or it goes to some NEW PROGRAM the district has come up with (usually from California which is funny).
It NEVER makes its way to the teachers unless the legislature forces it there like last year.
PAY THEM MORE AND THEY WILL STAY!
Thanks Jud | 9:31 a.m. April 7, 2008
People here can tout the great test scores and no need to increase spending BUT
and it is a big BUT....
We have to have teachers in the classroom. Right now we are taking just about anyone that breathes.
If we don't make teaching a respectable, well paying job once again, we will be in a world of hurt.
We need to get the average teacher salary up to around $60,000 to keep the good ones here.
We have to have teachers in the classroom. Right now we are taking just about anyone that breathes.
If we don't make teaching a respectable, well paying job once again, we will be in a world of hurt.
We need to get the average teacher salary up to around $60,000 to keep the good ones here.
Utah cracks me up.. | 9:33 a.m. April 7, 2008
Here we have people building million dollar homes and driving their BMWs to drop
off their kids but complain when the teachers ask to be paid a decent salary.
Blame the UEA. Blame the teachers. Blame whoever you want just let me build my Mcmansion for $1,000,000 and don't make me help my kid with homework!
Blame the UEA. Blame the teachers. Blame whoever you want just let me build my Mcmansion for $1,000,000 and don't make me help my kid with homework!
Teacher Pay Not Lowest | 9:37 a.m. April 7, 2008
Utah is not last in teacher pay. In fact, a couple of months ago there were
reports that Utah's average teacher pay was above the national average. Of
course Utah's school districts provide teachers with gold-plated benefits
that only the CEO's in the private sector receive.
K2 | 9:39 a.m. April 7, 2008
Some great comments - let me just add my thoughts:
For decades, Utahns have been given this same pablum by people who are really not part of the education process, namely researchers, bean-counters, and union leaders. For example, I do not hear of other states (particularly Idaho and Nevada) sending delegations to Utah to see just how we do it (high test scores, high graduation rates, quality kids, ad infinitum)! Very few occupations have gripe-free underpinnings. Is it because we have the "intangibles" of family-oriented parents, PTA's, dedicated teachers, released-time, volunteer mentors, computer literacy, libraries, etc. - all things that bean-counters and union folks can't deal with in their number-crunching finagling. Yeah, last in "student spending", whatever that means! I just know that 51 1/2 percent of my property-tax assessment went to Granite School District and Salt Lake County Libraries. Sure, we have mighty problems in this state of seeing that our children have the best of opportunites in education. But this annual whining about class sizes and underfunding is getting old. Let's get the right perspectives on these problems and then address them - if that is even possible by our "educated" administrators and legislators.
For decades, Utahns have been given this same pablum by people who are really not part of the education process, namely researchers, bean-counters, and union leaders. For example, I do not hear of other states (particularly Idaho and Nevada) sending delegations to Utah to see just how we do it (high test scores, high graduation rates, quality kids, ad infinitum)! Very few occupations have gripe-free underpinnings. Is it because we have the "intangibles" of family-oriented parents, PTA's, dedicated teachers, released-time, volunteer mentors, computer literacy, libraries, etc. - all things that bean-counters and union folks can't deal with in their number-crunching finagling. Yeah, last in "student spending", whatever that means! I just know that 51 1/2 percent of my property-tax assessment went to Granite School District and Salt Lake County Libraries. Sure, we have mighty problems in this state of seeing that our children have the best of opportunites in education. But this annual whining about class sizes and underfunding is getting old. Let's get the right perspectives on these problems and then address them - if that is even possible by our "educated" administrators and legislators.
What the... | 9:46 a.m. April 7, 2008
Jud,
First, simply stating that Massachusetts leads in test scores and leads the nation in per student spending conjurs up no correlation for me between spending and scoring. There are a host of variables that have not been analyzed in your conclusion.
Second, the article we are referencing stated that NY and NJ were the highest spenders per student. In fact Mass was about $4,000 less per student.
First, simply stating that Massachusetts leads in test scores and leads the nation in per student spending conjurs up no correlation for me between spending and scoring. There are a host of variables that have not been analyzed in your conclusion.
Second, the article we are referencing stated that NY and NJ were the highest spenders per student. In fact Mass was about $4,000 less per student.
Anonymous | 9:51 a.m. April 7, 2008
Haven't you heard? Investigative reporting was abandoned long ago.
dingo | 9:55 a.m. April 7, 2008
I am certified to teach science, history, and economics in the state of Utah but
I won�t and it is not because of the money. Test scores are
great and being frugal with budget dollars are admirable. If you paid teachers
$60,000 a year it still will not address the fundamental issues. You could raise
taxes 10% and it won�t matter because the sickness is still
raging. The demands placed on teachers, good or bad, in Utah by school boards,
administration, unions, and parents make it untenable at best. School boards are
interested in balancing budgets and getting re-elected. Administration is
worried about budgets and they have to deal with a myriad of non education
issues that have invaded the landscape. Unions only care about growing their
power while pretending to be an ally. Parents routinely require schools to be
daycare centers first and educators second. I can make more money at a private
school or parochial school with less headaches and better blue sky. The day will
change only when everyone across the board can be held accountable for their
actions. Utah�s situation saddens me as I am a Utah native
educated in Utah�s public schools.
Wanda | 9:58 a.m. April 7, 2008
Yes. Check it out, the Utah pays their administrators double what the highest
paid teacher makes. Tell me that is fair?
To What the... | 10:16 a.m. April 7, 2008
To What the 9.46, who can "conjur" no correlation between investment
and results. . . As I read the NAEP map, it looks strangely enough as though
Mass and NJ lead the nation in scores, and both are near the top in
expenditure/pupil. Utah is buried. And there's NO correlation between
investment and results? Why would there be a correlation in all other areas of
human endeavor but not in education?
Pay them more.... | 10:11 a.m. April 7, 2008
We pay our teachers in California, on average, about $20k more than Utah
teachers get paid (US Census Bureau 2004) (2nd highest average in the
nation)-Utah is 38th. California's median home price is twice what
Utah's and housing is generally 25-30% of the cost of a household.
We have a union that is breaking the backs of taxpayers in California. While we have many teachers who do a good job, they work 3/4's of the year and make, on average, the same as any other college graduate. We keep our teachers here including the horrible ones because the unions have hold of our legisltature.
In business you pay for what works. If Utah is having a teacher crunch, I guarantee you it will be filled by market demands. My suggestion is that you do not legislate any pay mandates in your state. Do not drop your right to work status and succumb to the union's hyperbole.
There is room for improvement. However, volunteerism is much less expensive and much more rewarding.
We have a union that is breaking the backs of taxpayers in California. While we have many teachers who do a good job, they work 3/4's of the year and make, on average, the same as any other college graduate. We keep our teachers here including the horrible ones because the unions have hold of our legisltature.
In business you pay for what works. If Utah is having a teacher crunch, I guarantee you it will be filled by market demands. My suggestion is that you do not legislate any pay mandates in your state. Do not drop your right to work status and succumb to the union's hyperbole.
There is room for improvement. However, volunteerism is much less expensive and much more rewarding.
Free Market Education | 10:12 a.m. April 7, 2008
If we would abolish public education and let the market take care of educational
needs you would see better education obtained more efficiently for less money.
Thus, the problem is the fact that we are paying for public education.
John Reynolds | 10:15 a.m. April 7, 2008
Huntsman is too busy on the campaign trail with the liberal republicans.
Stewart | 10:34 a.m. April 7, 2008
At the beginning of school last year Utah was short 400 teachers. They were able
to scrape the barrel, talk retired teachers back and hired teachers from Mexico,
because of the low wage. Of course wages aren't the total problem, but they
are a big part. It only takes about 4-5 years to take out of the profession
about a fourth of the new idealistic teachers that come to realize that poor
pay, lack of support, and unmotivated students was not for them.
Our society has changed and idealism has been replaced by standard of living. Since society judges the worth of an individual by their income and wealth our university students become trapped by this materialism. The best and most capable decide not to go into education in the first place and a fourth of those that do drop out and go into other professions within 4 or 5 years.
Due to this materialism and that now women can choose and be successful in any profession education will continue to decline in this country until our goals and perceptions change.
Our society has changed and idealism has been replaced by standard of living. Since society judges the worth of an individual by their income and wealth our university students become trapped by this materialism. The best and most capable decide not to go into education in the first place and a fourth of those that do drop out and go into other professions within 4 or 5 years.
Due to this materialism and that now women can choose and be successful in any profession education will continue to decline in this country until our goals and perceptions change.
Re: Teacher Pay Not The Lowest | 10:43 a.m. April 7, 2008
You're dead wrong about some things you wrote. Teacher benefits have
mostly gone the way of the dodo bird, i.e. extinct. Most districts now require
teachers to pay for insurance. They buy it at a discounted rate, of course,
just like most people in any business can do. The only benefit left for
teachers is the state retirement, which all public employees get.
Re on What the... | 10:47 a.m. April 7, 2008
I did not claim there wasn't a correlation. I simply stated that you did
analyze enough variables to conclude that more dollars means better scores.
As an example: In CA property costs might be 20-30 times higher than a rural Utah town. So this school's infrastructure would cost substantially more than one in Utah thus raising the per student spending. Additoinally, with the higher property costs this drives the cost of living up and to attract teachers (of any degree) the school would have to pay substantially more for that teacher. Again we have not changed any variables in terms the ability to learn or teach more, we have simply increased the costs of educating.
There are barriers to education that have not been analyzed. How much is spent in UT trying to get as much as 75% of their students to learn english in K-3? CA's demographics demand more spending. Legislation has mandated reduced class sizes to accomodate this education.
My point is I beleive it is a mistake to conclude your correlation when a whole host of variables have yet to be analyzed.
As an example: In CA property costs might be 20-30 times higher than a rural Utah town. So this school's infrastructure would cost substantially more than one in Utah thus raising the per student spending. Additoinally, with the higher property costs this drives the cost of living up and to attract teachers (of any degree) the school would have to pay substantially more for that teacher. Again we have not changed any variables in terms the ability to learn or teach more, we have simply increased the costs of educating.
There are barriers to education that have not been analyzed. How much is spent in UT trying to get as much as 75% of their students to learn english in K-3? CA's demographics demand more spending. Legislation has mandated reduced class sizes to accomodate this education.
My point is I beleive it is a mistake to conclude your correlation when a whole host of variables have yet to be analyzed.
Here's to the REAL Heroes | 11:36 a.m. April 7, 2008
THE FAMILIES!
NY and WashingtonDC sink tons of money into systems that fail. The most important factor is family enviroment and support.
Go Utah!
NY and WashingtonDC sink tons of money into systems that fail. The most important factor is family enviroment and support.
Go Utah!
Anonymous | 11:29 a.m. April 7, 2008
A culture is only as strong as how it leaves its legacy for its children.
PAY THE TEACHERS | 11:48 a.m. April 7, 2008
We stack 'em deep and teach 'em cheap.
YouGoFirst | 12:16 p.m. April 7, 2008
Ok, now to put some sort of facts to the arguement of teacher pay vs
benefits.
Jud stated that "Massachusetts leads the nation in test scores." To follow up his assertions that more money can mean better scores I decided to do a salary adjusted for cost of living comparison.
It just happens that for Boston and Bountiful utah, the average teacher salary is $49,000 per year. Ok, so that just shows that they are paid the same. Then I did a comparison for cost of living. The results show that to live in Utah, a teacher would have $8,118 MORE disposable income. So, that means that teachers in Bountiful end up with more money in their pockets than in Boston. You can do it too from Salary.com
So, money isn't the solution. Maybe we should look at everything that goes into educatin. Look at the school system, community, and the family values for the area. While the only thing that a school board can change directly is the system, they an encourage any community variables and family variables to help the system succeed.
Jud stated that "Massachusetts leads the nation in test scores." To follow up his assertions that more money can mean better scores I decided to do a salary adjusted for cost of living comparison.
It just happens that for Boston and Bountiful utah, the average teacher salary is $49,000 per year. Ok, so that just shows that they are paid the same. Then I did a comparison for cost of living. The results show that to live in Utah, a teacher would have $8,118 MORE disposable income. So, that means that teachers in Bountiful end up with more money in their pockets than in Boston. You can do it too from Salary.com
So, money isn't the solution. Maybe we should look at everything that goes into educatin. Look at the school system, community, and the family values for the area. While the only thing that a school board can change directly is the system, they an encourage any community variables and family variables to help the system succeed.
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