Illinois Drops Standard Test Component – The Cost of Doing Business Belies Results – Comparison Massachusetts Public vs. Private 2010

The State of Illinois will be dropping its writing assessment from standardized testing, citing budgetary issues according to WLSAM. The State will continue to asses student progress based upon math and reading skills and may institute the writing requirement in 2014. One has to ask, is it not essential to be able to write effectively? How prepared will students be in taking College Entrance Exams (SAT), when those tests contain a written exam (essay) portion?

In reviewing the cost of doing business in Massachusetts (Illinois having a similar program, and also receiving similar Federal AID), one finds that the average cost per pupil to educate a child in Massachusetts is $13,055, the cost to administer tests and provide materials: $757, teacher’s salaries, benefits, continuing education, administration of the school: $9,544. Teachers salary per student averaged $4598 per pupil (includes all teachers). The table is available at http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/profiles/finane.aspx. An overview is shown below.


Cost of education in Massachusetts schools, averaged per student 2010

For comparison purposes, the 2010 (2011 now available) MCAS (Massachusetts Standardized Testing) scores reveal that "(pfd summary: www.doe.mass.edu.mcas/2010/results/summary.pfd) (Pages 18 & 19): (Mathematics) Grade 8: 25% of Hispanics students scored proficient or higher, and only 58% of those “white” students managed to achieve proficient or higher. Reading (English Language Arts) scores were significantly higher, with 55% of Hispanic Latino’s scoring above proficient, and 84% of “white” students scoring above proficient. The graduation rate in 2009 and 2008 at an urban school system, using the state averaged cost of doing business, and test results shows a dismal 54 %.(*Masslive.com)

In comparing the public sector to the private: A typical Massachusetts Parochial School (Bishop Stang, Dartmouth, MA), tuition is approximately $7400 per year, families provide text books and study guides, at a cost of approximately $300 to $600 (used versus new or combined), the curriculum is geared towards advancement, standardized tests are given based on all subject matter areas, specifically of note: the graduation rates and the average SAT scores (college board) show above average scores, with a graduation rate of and the graduation rate of 88% to 4 year colleges, 10.5% to 2 year colleges and 1.5% Employment. Comparing tuition, scores and graduation rates from parochial schools across the state, the above was the average on costs, and all schools showed a similar if not identical graduation rate.

This is a valid argument for school choice, and vouchers, given the fact that the majority of the public school budget goes towards teachers, and additional testing (for teachers), administration, the private sector, (non-union) provides the same services for less, with stellar results. This is why the District of Columbia continues to fight tooth and nail to keep its school voucher system. In order to enroll your child in a private parochial school, one must pay an admission fee ($150-$200), the student must take an entrance exam, provide grades, and interview (any one of those three will weigh in the decision to enroll) and there is financial aid available, as well as loans. In addition, admission is not restricted to the Catholic Faith, and or any particular religious denomination – the key is that parochial schools offer a better education for less – in the meantime support legislation for school choice in all states

2012 GOP Poll Update - Bachmann Chasing Romney in New Hampshire and Texas

From Public Policy Polling: Michelle Bachmann has made a significant jump in the polls in New Hampshire with Romney at 25% and Bachman at 18%, followed by Sarah Palin (unannounced) at 11%. In April’s survey, Bachmann was at 4% - these polls suggest a fluidity in the early stages of the GOP, with any one candidate capable of making a “come from behind” advance, however, a candidate such as Bachmann, (or a Sarah Palin), must fight the anti-feminist sentiment towards women running for a higher office (regardless of the political party), therefore, this leap suggests that Bachmann is a force to be reckoned with. Although Public Policy Polling suggests that Bachmann (and Palin) are “Tea Party” candidates, the numbers apparently do not add up when viewing the marginals. The percentage of voters identifying themselves as “Tea Party”, do lean more towards Bachmann, however, she also picks up points from those identifying themselves as Republican primary voters in the Granite State. What might be seen as most significant to Team Romney is the fact that this surge for Bachmann is literally in Romney’s back yard, as he has a home in New Hampshire as well as Massachusetts, which borders New Hampshire.

In Texas polling by the same firm Rick Perry, Govenor of Texas, takes the lead in his home state with 31%, Romney at 15% and Bachmann at 11%. However, with Perry taken out of the mix, Romney and Bachmann are “neck and neck”: Romney at 17% and Bachmann at 16%.
Public Policy Polling, known as a Democrat leaning pollster, does place a great deal of emphasis on “Tea Party” versus “Republican Party”, however, those in the polling booth understand that both parties carry similar ideals, the Tea Party founded basically on Fiscal Conservatism, made up of individuals from all aspects of the political spectrum, which happens to include Republicans as their anti-tax, fiscally conservative stance is on the “same page” as the Republican Party. Therefore, it goes without saying that a Tea Party or Republican Candidate would be, at this present time (and into 2012) preferable to the incumbent. The use of “Tea Party”, is a warning bell for those “elite” who really do not understand the premise of the movement, rather see this movement as a threat to their preferred “Big Government”, liberal views.

It should be noted that if both Palin and Perry enter the fray, these numbers are subject to change, in addition, those that may come from behind, such as Tim Pawlenty, or a front-runner like Mitt Romney may find themselves with roles reversed – there has been two debates to date, both early in the scheme of things, and those debates, as well as the grassroots organizations built on the ground in early primary and caucus states (the most important being South Carolina), will eventually give the GOP in 2012, with two to four competitive candidates, a real horse race. The early primary states leading up to Super Tuesday, are so diverse in nature, that it is difficult for anyone to appeal across the board – New Hampshire running Republican/Conservative/Tea Party, with Iowa seen as an “Evangelical Christian” stronghold, and South Carolina as the Southern Tip off – one cannot win the nomination without either winning or tying in South Carolina.

From this perspective, although one would like to see both the fiery Texas Govenor enter the race, and Sarah Palin come in as well, (those who might think there is not enough room for two women in the same arena, should check their sexism at the door), would make this the most competitive GOP field in history. The exchange of ideas from such a diverse group of individuals would allow the small group that does watch these debates (political junkies and GOP primary voters, and the media) an ability to hear, first hand, the beginnings of each of the candidates “talking points” and ideas. One has to understand that in the debate arena of 2008, by the 3rd debate, all competitors (from both political parties) were being somewhat repetitive – it would be refreshing to see debates where the “same old talking points” were at the very least rephrased – freshened up a bit. That’s the candidate who would gain the attention – the individual who is able to communicate to all watchers or attendees without rehashing last week’s lines, and without the use of ludicrous slogans (A slogan is fine but once it’s repeated ad nausem in multiple settings it becomes – annoying: Example: “Yes, We Can” (used by both Deval Patrick and Barrack Obama in back to back campaigns) – Yes, we can – do what? After a point no one in the “crowd” has a clue as to exactly what it is that can be done – sounds snappy – but that’s about the end of it. (One can be sure there were others from both sides, but less memorable or perhaps just a bonus for living in Massachusetts and having heard the slogan not once, but twice, repeated constantly on air and by the candidates from 2006 to 2008.)

2012 Election Update: Massachusetts 2012 Primary Set for March 6, 2012, Pawlenty Airs First Ad in Iowa, Teachers Union Surprisingly Endorses Obama

Romney, Bachmann and Pawlenty - will the later compete in Massachusetts? - image New York Daily


The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has set its 2012 primary date for March 6, 2012, a movethat Democrat Secretary of State William Galvin suggests will give greater influence to the State due to Mitt Romney’s run for the Office of the Presidency.

Apparently, Galvin believes that other states would be watching Massachusetts to see how Romney fares in his “home” state, thereby lending said state more clout. However, it remains to be seen how well Romney actually does in the Bay State (think Tea Party). The Most recent polling data on the Bay State comes from Public Policy Polling June 15th, with 244 likely GOP voters taking part in the poll, Romney lec the field with 49%, followed by Michelle Bachmann at 10% and Sara Palin (unannounced) at 9%. The actual primary results will depend upon the number of the 51.6% of the Bay State’s “Unenrolled” voters who turn out to vote and choose a Republican Ballot. The Commonwealth’s electoral makeup is as follows: 36.48% Democrat, 11.33% Republican, 51.6% Unenrolled, .38% Libertarian and .2% other parties. It is “understood” that the Republican Party in Massachusetts is firmly behind Romney, and unless and until another candidate decides to step foot in the Bay State (Pawlenty, although polling low in PPP at 4%, and had visited the state for a Tea Party Rally in Boston – would actually have to have boots on the ground in the Bay State to put a dent in Romney’s numbers.)

Unfortunately, more often than not, major party candidates tend to avoid the Bay State unless there is a major donor fundraiser event (usually Democrat) in Boston. The Bay State is not a “winner take all” primary state – therefore, any Candidate in competition with Romney might be well served by spending more than 20 minutes in Boston and spend some time shaking a few hands in the once great industrial cities sprinkled about the state – keeping in mind that the majority party – Unenrolleds – rule the roost in MA and decide many a primary and election. (Note to Bachman, Palin and Pawlenty – this state did vote for Reagan twice! (See Jimmy Carter).

Tim Pawlenty has aired his first television commercial in Iowa and has hired political strategist, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, to lead his team in Iowa. The campaign ad speaks to Pawlentys ability to fight the Unions by holding the line against tax increases, The quotes from race42012.com go back to a 208 article from a left blogger entitled: “How Tim Pawlenty Made his Case for VP by Wrecking the Minnesota Economy”:

Voters across the country might be interested to know that no one has been more influential than Pawlenty in reversing Minnesota’s longstanding tradition of using progressive taxes to make prudent but significant investments in our social and physical infrastructure — education, transportation, health care and the environment (emphasis mine).
Among complaints Robson makes about Pawlenty:
“A biennial budget that contained more than $2.7 billion worth of tax relief” (It was more than twice as large, per capita, as any other state tax cut in the nation.)
“The very next year …returned hundreds of millions of dollars through an income tax cut and reduced vehicle license fees”.
“Lowered property taxes”
“Rebated $700 million worth of sales taxes back to citizens”
“Pawlenty had signed a pledge not to raise taxes. As billions of dollars’ worth of state programs were slashed, most of them in health and human services, the governor stood fast on his pledge”
“To dramatize just how radical this no-taxes stance was… Pawlenty has tenaciously rebuffed any income tax increases during his six years in office”

Although the Wall Street Journal, at the same time, posted an article that indicated Governor Pawlenty liked to impose “fees”, and even walked across the aisle more than once to get things done. (i.e. Tax Hikes and fraternizing with the enemy) Anyone who lived in Massachusetts under the Romney Administration understands “fees” all too well – especial when prefaced by the word “Increased”. Additionally, those GOP Governors who are virtually surrounded by Democrats in control of a State Legislature have to walk that walk in order to get anything accomplished.

Finally, the One of the two (yes there are two) National Teachers Unions, the National Education Association, while holding their annual convention in Chicago came out with a strong endorsement of the 2012 Obama campaign yesterday. Apparently after spending a day with Joe Biden, the union had no choice but to offer an early endorsement of the President. What your children will be learning in school between now and the first Tuesday in November 2012, might have little to do with math, science or reading – instead, they will be given a course on rhetoric. However that rhetoric may be wasted on those students faced with increased debt for college (under the government takeover of student loans which was added to the Omnibus bill that also included Mandated Health Care), and/or the inability to find a job in this “economic climate, as well as an ability to vote and a glaring lack of respect for what their teachers may have to say on any given day. One can assume, that unions members will be voting for Obama in this election, however, union membership in the nation is declining and represents only 11.9% of the U.S. workforce. (Bureau of Labor Statistics) Obama also has, what has become to be known as, “the mainstream media” and their members which will, no doubt, be actively supporting his reelection.