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ANSWERS
1. False – Standardized tests can
gauge a school’s or student’s progress
on basic skills, but they don’t measure
knowledge on specific subjects.
2. False – School districts are usually
the point of purchase for most mate-
rials and textbooks in traditional
public schools. Only private and
charter public schools have discretion
over how curriculum dollars are
spent.
3. Again, false – Each state collects
and distributes taxes differently, and
each state mandates the many ways
even local money has to be spent.
While money will build nice build-
ings, add science labs and more, it
doesn’t guarantee that the books,
instruction and teaching provided
represent the best, proven ways for
educating children.
4. False – Many textbook publishers
maintain large staffs that compile
assorted facts (and sometimes
fiction!) into books. They then
contract with “experts,” — professors,
classroom teachers and others to
review their work and put their name
on the finished product. In its text-
book expose, 20/20 contacted some of
the authors listed in a science text-
book. One of them was actually
disturbed that her name was listed.
She had never even seen the book
before! Later, the publisher admitted
that none of the individuals listed
actually contributed to the book.
5. True – Ever since our own moms
baked brownies and went to
parent/teacher meetings, the PTA
has played a very large role in
boosting school morale and making
parents aware of important issues.
However, PTAs often have little but
“squeaky wheel” power and increas-
ingly, they are seen as representing
the school’s management more than
the parents’ wishes.
6. False – In traditional public schools,
the superintendent and other central
office administrators control school
budgets. Money is sent from the state
to districts based on enrollment,
predetermined formulas and programs
set by the legislature. When you seek
out your principal for some good old-
fashioned finger wagging about the
lack of resources or aging science lab,
chances are she’ll get a bit defensive
or be unresponsive; not because she
doesn’t care but because in reality, she
has little authority over money and
where it goes.
POSTSCRIPT
America needs educated consumers of
education. Schools should have
authority at the local level, parents
should feel the PTA is a viable organi-
zation that gives them voice, accurate
textbooks written by real experts
should be the norm and money
should follow good schools. More
and more parents are raising these
issues in public forums, on-line and
in their communities. Being an
educated consumer takes some
interest, a few good materials and an
inquisitive mind. If you’re reading
this, you’re off to a good start!
Standardized tests tell me how
much my child knows.
o
True
o
False
Teachers can pick and choose
materials and curricula that best
meet my child’s needs.
o
True
o
False
The high property taxes and
good real estate values ensure
my children are getting the best
education money can buy.
o
True
o
False
Textbooks are written by
experts.
o
True
o
False
The PTA has little authority in
school discussions and repre-
sents less than 10 percent of all
parents nationwide.
o
True
o
False
My principal has budget
authority.
o
True
o
False
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