Posted by
M. Maxx Mantooth on Monday, August 18, 2008 12:00:00 AM
The shaky economy isn't all doom and gloom as most media wonks would have us believe.
In the article, "Back to School: Shaky Economy Hits Kids " many assertions are made about the damage to families, children, and school districts. It seems to me that an inflated economy, falling back to an "equilibrium level" is never a bad thing. It may require some simple and basic lifestyle changes, but these are not detrimental. In fact, they may bring many folks back to reality.
There are a few different perspectives out there from the "poor kids, and what about the public schools?" position.
First - Kids walking a longer distance to the bus: Oh NO! They may get some excersise! or MAYBE even learn how to be responsible, and learn time management by getting to the stop on time. Then again, They could (as I susspect will happen) just get a ride to the further bus stop from mommy and daddy.
Second - Clothes and Supplies: Reusing clothes is certainly a good thing. Sure kids are growing at this point in their lives, but it is not the case that EVERYTHING must be replaced. The benefits to this POV are A. Kids learn that they do NOT require the best and newest of everything to get by. B. Parents are not spending money they don't have on the newest fashions for kids who (many of which) really don't even care what they wear. C. I'm 27 years old and STILL use my backpack I got as a Freshman in High school. It's comfortable, stylish, and has that "rugged Indy" look. Why all the waste on "new" stuff? It's not being cheap. It's being practicle.
Third: When parents teach their kids to use their supplies to their fullest intent, the kids learn the value of conservation, and reallocation (using things for tasks other than the items original design). These are two important principles of entrepreneurship, and successful living. The parents get to see the benefit as well. Their Children will be more grateful for new stuff, and Mom and Dad have more money for bills, gas, dates investment et.al.
Now, for the schools themselves.
All through high school, (in Northen Virginia), I was always too cold in the early fall, late spring, and too hot the rest of the year. Having the schools cut their energy costs by maintaing a decent temperature helps the kids plan what to wear more effectivly, be more comfortable and alert (too hot/too cold, students tend to fall asleep faster).
Text books don't change significantly every year. Every 5 - 10 years maybe, but yearly... not at all. And, as I recall, the texts tend to become increasingly more biased. I find a more accurate and complete history books; English texts that actually teach "proper english" that do not justify "txt/msg" grammer styles; and more methedological, instructional, and challenging math/language books. Seriously, How difficult can a math problem be when the book shows you step by step (numbers included) what buttons to push on you TI-83?
It seems to me that there is a lot of waste in the public school system, arguably for the worst. But, who could blame them, when the only way to get a bigger budget is to over-spend?
If the schools need to learn how to "Maximize" their resouces (which my tax dollars pay for) because of the marginal spike in energy cost, so be it. It about time public goods became more efficient.