Quick Hits (11.2.12)

You know, Kris. This kind of garbage drives me crazy. Why do you do this? For the money, I assume? So, you cite meaningless data like the above: "Ninety-three percent of middle school students report that their goal is to attend college. However, only 44% enroll in college, and only 26% graduate with a college diploma within six years of enrolling.", as if just throwing that up on your blog means something. Are we supposed to just look at that and "understand" that this is yes....one MORE reason why our public schools "stink"? Is the unstated assumption that it's what, eh, let me guess...the "fault" of our "terrible" schools that these kids were thwarted in their original ambitions due to...hmmm, let me guess, uh..."abysmal teachers who can't ever, ever be fired no matter how poorly they teach, due to the fact that they belong to a union." Is that it? Is that what you're trying to say? Ever think about the fact that a higher percentage of high school graduates go to college than ever in history? Or that the student might have some responsibility for their academic advancement? Or that money could be an issue? It's just awful what people like you are doing to our educators, our children, and the families that are struggling to remain part of a local school community.