xiggi

And and here comes the usual misrepresentation of the argument. The criticism of the egregrious --almost criminal-- activities of the unions is not a criticism of the millions of hard working and poorly respected teachers, who are as much victims as are the students and parents. It's an indictment of a group of people who are keeping an entire system hostage for the benefit of a few abusers and thieves.

"Teachers" is far from representing a homogeneous group who loves the representation by the unions and the extorsion of dues that are predominantly spent on political pursuits and payoff fat cats that are masquerading as educators or people's representatives.

There are indeed two sides to any stories. We'd love to hear more on how the unions contracts that restrict working hours to a strict minimum, render contacts with parents all but impossible, reward seniority over qualifications, and of course the rubber rooms are good for .... students and education in general.

If there is another side to the story, could you please tell us how the teachers' unions have the best interest of STUDENTS at heart? Or could it be more pay for less work, no reducing of work force, and many others items that were extorted from "supportive" politicians.

Twenty five years after the release of a Nation at Risk, could you please tell us how the teachers' unions have made the situation any better? We are now spending MUCH more, have smaller classes, and are still the laughing stock of the world when it comes to the ratio of performance of public education versus the cost.

Yes, there are two sides to the story: one is atrocious and the other one is even worse.