[steve9789]

IMO, one large problem in the failing schools, are the parents.

An example of dealing with a "failing" school.

Two years ago we received a letter stating that my daughters school failed for the year. The letter said that if I wanted to switch her to another school, I needed to come in and meet with them. I got there and the woman pulled my daughter's grades and FCAT scores, (straight A's and very good FCAT scores). She said, well your daughter doesn't qualify because she is obviously very bright. She then looked up and realized that she doesn't receive free or reduced school lunch. She said "I'm sorry but she doesn't qualify". This kind of disturbed me, I said "so if she was stupid, and the government helped me feed her, she could go?" Begrudgingly she said "yes." I told her that "I can understand you don't control it, but the government can throw money at it til the cows come home and it won't get any better until the sorry assed parents get off their lazy asses and work with their children at home".

Understand that this was an elementary school. IMO a kid has to try to fail in order to get bad grades in K-5th grade. Unless they have some sort of learning disability.

Perhaps atleast worth a "pilot program" is to allow the private market to educate. Instead of putting x-dollars into schools, spend x-dollars on each child to go and get educated in a private school. The teacher's union would raise hell like you couldn't imagine.