Originally Posted by TeaSea

If it's not as pitiful as they say it is, then why are the average number of days in school per year shrinking? I If am not mistaken, the number of hours per day has also decreased.
Why are so many of the school buildings falling apart?
Why are there EVER 40 students in a high school math class - so many that some have to sit on radiators and others share a chair?
What about Art? For example, not so long ago, most any public school student had the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument in school. That seems to be a lot less universal now.
And Science? Without foreign students, American universities would have to discontinue many of their high tech/science and engineering programs due to lack of enough participation. And this is where so many of the best jobs of the future are!

IMO, teachers do work that is every bit as intellectually demanding as that done by doctors. They should be vetted by every bit as rigorous training and education, and PAID as well too.

Is there a higher national security issue? I don't think there is even a close second.