The more things change, the more they stay the same.
The Wisconsin State Journal published an editorial on March 9th, 1914 proclaiming “Send Pickles to fight Scurvy“.
Are you aware the scurvy is prevailing in our army, and our troops are diminishing every day in consequence?
If so, why not try to alleviate their sufferings, and save their lives, by sending them vegetables, pickles, etc. — now is the time, don’t delay.
The whole (region) is at work sending barrels of pickles and vegetables every day. Madison should do her part.
While a different topic, still as far away from reality now as they were then. On January 29th 2014, the Wisconsin State Journal published “Early Release Shorts Education”
Madison elementary schools regularly release students at 1 p.m. or 1:45 p.m. on Mondays for teacher collaboration and planning.
A lot of parents respect, or at least tolerate, that practice. Children still get several hours of instruction, with after-school activities available.
But when school lets out before noon — as it does several times a year — the value of that day for students and taxpayers is highly questionable.
Last Friday, for example, classes ended at 10:45 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. at elementary schools across the city. Two more mini-days will occur in March.
While they grudgingly accept that it is done for teacher training, much of which they support.
The main reason given for short days is teacher training. The worthy goal is to let educators share ideas and improve instruction.
But a better approach is to schedule more days when teachers report to school solely for professional training. If that requires more time at work for teachers, the district can pay them.
While I agree that a better approach is to pay teachers more, however, the WSJ was the one advocation for Scott Walker and his budgets. The money isn’t there and that is how they have liked it!
Heck they even endorsed the guy who has cut historic amounts of money from public education while also working very hard to privatize what is left!
Chronic budget deficits have distracted Wisconsin leaders from thinking big and devising bold strategies for competitive advantage in the knowledge-based, global economy.
Did the Democrats in control of state government adopt comprehensive school finance reform with incentives to boost performance?
Nope. Just a big favor for the teachers union: repeal of a pay-raise cap without accountability for better results.
Yes the Wisconsin State Journal, getting it wrong for 100 years(and counting)!
