1. Quit teaching electives. Only the basics are needed.

So, stop teaching music, art, athletics, debate, mechanics, culinary arts, dance, choir...and so on. Thank you. I've always wanted a school without a soul. These are the reasons SOME kids come to school. There is also such a thing as a well-rounded education. But have no fear--I know that, in Texas, the more "advanced" your degree plan, the fewer electives you are allowed to take. So, our best students have fewer choices.

2. No more self esteem, earth day, sex ed.
"Self Esteem" does not appear in the course catalogue. I think most schools are merely trying to respect their students. However, I totally agree that self esteem is overrated. There was a study conducted among students around the world concerning their performance on a history exam. American students placed in the top percentile of feeling good about performance, but the bottom percentile of how they actually scored (reminds me of how so many of us run around talking about how great we are, but refuse to recognize our country's flaws and mistakes0.

We don't stop for Earth Day where I teach.

Sex Ed, if it must be addressed, should be addressed in its totality (no more abstinence only education). Otherwise, you don't give students the full breadth of information, and the ability to make informed choices.

3. Make all tests non-multiple choice and make all tests explanatory.

Non-MC tests are much more subjective than MC tests. I don't understand what you mean by "explanatory." Do you mean, "hands on?"

4. Get rid of teachers union.
We don't have unions in my state. But we should be allowed to. Since when is it wrong for people to unionize? That's the one defense lower wage earners have against big business and big government. You're asking people to forfeit a right to assemble and petition. Seems wrong.

5. Make it all local.
The only problem you run into is that lower income neighborhoods fall farther and farther behind. In business, compeition works, because you can cater to a consumer. In education, you shouldn't be catering to the masses by giving them what they want. You have to give them what they need. We just don't agree on what everyone needs, from a basics standpoint.

6. Vouchers.
Could work, I guess. I'd have to see results on a wide basis.