Reply #45: Excellent post. You highlight precisely the problem of these innumerable 'education' threads.

[msanthrope]

While there is lots of bitching, I have yet to see a single thread that highlights a union-driven solution that is economically feasible and satisfies the public need for accountability.

I think you make a larger point. The teacher's unions have not kept up with market demands--instead, they've relied on education being perceived by the general public as something 'different', i.e., not a commodity.

But education is viewed as a commodity, and not as something protected when budget crises hit. It may not be right, but that's the way things are. And that will not change anytime, soon.

Those who will not lead, will follow.