What happened to California's schools?

[shunyadragon]

Back in the days of the dinosaurs, . . .

I went to California public schools from kindergarten to high school graduation.

Where did you go to school, because you do not believe the dinosaurs in Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous more than 60 millions of years ago.

At the time, California public schools were rated the best, or one of the best public education systems in the country.

Today, the California taxpayer is barraged by much, much higher taxes, about the highest in the nation, yet their public schools now are rated next to last.

Why?

Good question I await the discussion.

 

[dianaiad]

If that's the case, how would you explain the fact that Massachusetts is ranked #1 and is also full of democrats?

How should I know? Maybe they are smarter Democrats. All I know is this: California is the state of Neusome, Pelosi and an entirely Democratic governorship and legislature...and has been for decades. So...if you are going to blame Trump for all that's horrible in the USA simply because he's BEEN there for three years, then Democrats can take the heat for California.

After all, Education was really good...AND free...when Reagan was governor.

 

[Rational Agnostic]

How should I know? Maybe they are smarter Democrats. All I know is this: California is the state of Neusome, Pelosi and an entirely Democratic governorship and legislature...and has been for decades.

Wrong. Schwarzenegger was governor of California until 2011. So California has NOT had an entirely Democratic governorship for decades. If you're going to make an argument, at least get your facts straight first.

 

[Politesse]

Lots of poor neighborhoods whose schools no one wants to fund. You can still get a very quality education in, say, Palo Alto. But Palo Alto is not the whole state.

 

[SoyLeche]

Back in the days of the dinosaurs, I went to California public schools from kindergarten to high school graduation.

At the time, California public schools were rated the best, or one of the best public education systems in the country.

Today, the California taxpayer is barraged by much, much higher taxes, about the highest in the nation, yet their public schools now are rated next to last.

Why?

I've been doing some research and have been coming up short. Here are some things I'd like to see before trying to explain something that might not need explaining:

Standardized test scores for California in the 1950s (if standardized tests even existed in the same way back then).
Standardized test scores for California today. I did find this: NAEP State Profiles Caifornia looks pretty bad - bottom 25% at least.

Spending per student in the 1950s (in today's dollars).
Spending per student today. I did find this: http://worldpopulationreview.com/states/per-pupil-spending-by-state/ California ranks about 21 according to this. I've seen cost of living adjusted numbers putting it closer to 40 though.

Tax rate in 1950 (not sure exactly what to look for - some kind of average or total tax as a % of GDP. All I can find is top income bracket)
Tax rate today (same measure - something like the State-Local Tax Burden. described here: PolitiFact - MOSTLY TRUE: California’s taxes are 'among the highest in the nation' which puts California in 6th place at 11%)

 

[shmogie]

I've been doing some research and have been coming up short. Here are some things I'd like to see before trying to explain something that might not need explaining:

Standardized test scores for California in the 1950s (if standardized tests even existed in the same way back then).
Standardized test scores for California today. I did find this: NAEP State Profiles Caifornia looks pretty bad - bottom 25% at least.

Spending per student in the 1950s (in today's dollars).
Spending per student today. I did find this: http://worldpopulationreview.com/states/per-pupil-spending-by-state/ California ranks about 21 according to this. I've seen cost of living adjusted numbers putting it closer to 40 though.

Tax rate in 1950 (not sure exactly what to look for - some kind of average or total tax as a % of GDP. All I can find is top income bracket)
Tax rate today (same measure - something like the State-Local Tax Burden. described here: PolitiFact - MOSTLY TRUE: California’s taxes are 'among the highest in the nation' which puts California in 6th place at 11%)

Did you not read my citation?

 

[Shaul]

Let’s not forget one contributor, the California Teacher’s Association (CTA). They have done great harm to education in California.

 

[SoyLeche]

Did you not read my citation?

Yes, I did. It didn’t address the data I’m looking for.

 

[shmogie]

Let’s not forget one contributor, the California Teacher’s Association (CTA). They have done great harm to education in California.

Yes, and UTLA, united teachers of Los Angeles, the biggest district in the state.

These unions have a primary goal of protection poor performing teachers

 

[dianaiad]

Wrong. Schwarzenegger was governor of California until 2011. So California has NOT had an entirely Democratic governorship for decades. If you're going to make an argument, at least get your facts straight first.

 

[shmogie]

Where did you go to school, because you do not believe the dinosaurs in Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous more than 60 millions of years ago.

Good question I await the discussion.

Always personal comments from you. I understand your being frustrated at being schooled in English and having your mistakes pointed out, personal comments may make you feel better, but they are a no no, you know.