Corporations have become so huge and unaccountable to workers, communities, and the environment that far-reaching reforms are now necessary. Our educational system is in shambles. Average test scores are lagging those of other industrialized nations, especially in the areas of math and reading comprehension. To remedy this situation, not only must we get back to basics, but we must move to a private voucher system in order to give teachers the incentives they need to do a good job and to finally give parents true choice in the education market. Measures such as English-only classrooms, teacher competency exams, and a return to school prayer should also be considered.
Public education does indeed face serious challenges.
But rather than move toward a private voucher system, which could seriously divert much-needed funds from our public school system, other reforms should take precedence. American education is in a state of crisis, due mainly to a lack of sufficient funding. Many poorly paid teachers are either leaving the profession or languishing in deteriorating classrooms, many of which don't even have textbooks. But none will have any substantial or lasting effect without a major boost in federal and state funding. This is especially important in poor areas that still depend on an outmoded and grossly unequal property-tax revenue stream.