By William Powell

I have purposely waited until after voting day before making comments on the Oak Harbor school levies. Frankly, I don’t care how you voted, because either way, only your taxes may have changed.

In the several counties where I have property, my school taxes will be increased to around $12,000. And, I don’t seem to be getting my money’s worth.

Here in the Oak Harbor district, we apparently needed to hire new teachers of English and math to supplement the teachers who were already hired to teach English and math. The question is why? Perhaps they weren’t trained, or worse yet, not capable when they were originally hired.

It appears that our colleges of education (normal schools) are graduating substandard teachers, armed with degrees, certifications and good intentions, but lacking in basic knowledge and pedagogical skills. Again, the question is why?

In this case, the answer is somewhat obvious – lower standards. One can only assume that the “Captains of Erudition” believe that by lowering the standards, everyone can be a success.

Today, the average person who graduates from high school does so with a G.P.A of 3.0, or higher. In other words, virtually everyone is “above average,” a statistical impossibility. However, the vast majority students view the once average “C” as a poor grade.

Tell me, how does a “B-plus” student who knows virtually nothing about history or geography, and who cannot do third grade arithmetic without some sort of a calculator be considered “above average.”

Most people do not know that the requirements to graduate from high school are predicated on being able to perform at a “D-minus” level, eighth grade. Ergo, the colleges (many with remedial classes) must accommodate them. Popular professors are those who are easy graders who merely add to the dilemma of grade inflation, graduating those who can’t do the job, just like schools at a lower level. For the most part, high grades are false indicators of how well a student or a school is doing.

Is this a reversible problem? Possibly, but with today’s pressures, the chances are fairly close to nil. According to the educator, the only thing keeping a school district from doing a “truly outstanding” job is always lack of funds. More money is their only answer. They certainly don’t demand better teachers from the colleges or universities.

Like other governments, school districts are proverbial black holes when it comes to money. There is never enough. They suck up dollars like black holes eat stars – and the final product gets worse every year, regardless of higher grades.

However, it can be changed if the parents and taxpayers, en masse, demand change. And here is what it will take (excepting special education):

Return discipline to the classroom. The teacher will be the boss.

Remove disruptive elements so others can learn.

A student doesn’t enter second grade until he masters first grade.

A student doesn’t enter third grade until he masters second grade, and so forth.

Remove all calculators from elementary school, middle/junior high school, and from high school except for advanced math classes.

Establish a firm dress code or put kids in uniforms. School is the child’s job and he should dress accordingly.

Teachers, grade honestly.

Flunk when deserved.

Establish a three-tiered track system in high school:

College prep courses for college capable students.

General high school courses for the non-college bound (contrary to popular belief, college is not for everyone).

Tech/trade school courses with concomitant academic courses for those who choose to become skilled workers.

Stop indoctrinating and start educating. Most thinking people know that the National Education Association and its dubious offspring, the Washington Education Association, have their agenda, which in many cases, takes precedence over education.

Administrators and school boards need to stand up to the legislature and the unions when necessary.

Parents, visit your schools:

Meet with your children’s teachers and administrators.

Demand excellence.

Demand competence.

Teach your own children to respect others and obey the rules.

Do not suborn cheating.

Finally, don’t take no for an answer.

One thought: If teachers demanded from their students what coaches demand from their players, this alone would improve the situation drastically.

If you are currently a teacher or administrator, you are probably questioning my sanity or qualifications. I went to at least a dozen schools (excluding technical, colleges and military schools), including a one-room school, and one with three grades per room. I hold a Masters Degree in Education, taught in public school for eight years and did some teaching at the community college level.

In one high school, I taught seven classes in a six-period day (two different classes in the same room at the same time with a total of 70 students) while I was also the librarian, yearbook and newspaper advisor ($10,000/year). After that, I re-entered the military. I became a Professor of Military Science and later, a director of a senior military college.

So educators, I am not without some experience, and I have walked in your moccasins. I don’t like the whining about larger classes and poor pay.

It is high standards, competent, well-educated teachers, administrators, school board members and involved parents that will make a difference. Voting out incompetent, socialist legislators will also make a difference.

It seems no school district is willing to try the above, but, more money is not the answer, either.

William Paul lives in Oak Harbor.