Contrary to popular belief, and the position of the teacher's unions. Class size doesn't really seem to be a leading indicator on student performance. Looking at the countries that round out the top spots, there is no consistency in class size to teacher ratio.
Top performing countries (compared to the U.S.)
1) South Korea 30-1 (higher)
2) Finland 20-1 (lower)
3) Canada 14-1 (lower)
4) New Zealand 18-1 (lower)
5) Japan 28-1 (higher)
6) Australia 23-1 (same)
7) Netherlands 20-1 (lower)
...
14) United States 23-1
Though I don't doubt that it is a helpful factor to have less students per teacher, I believe the education system and its methodologies is a much better indicator of success.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
2012 General Election Endorsements
President/Vice President - Mitt Romney/Paul Ryan (http://mi.tt/S3RyvW): This country is desperate for a leader who knows how to be an executive. Mitt Romney has succeeded in business, restoring the Olympics and running a state. He has a reasonable plan to secure a thriving economy and restore America's place in the world. Barack Obama's failures ave cost us 4 years of desperately needed economic growth.
US Senate - Elizabeth Emken (http://bit.ly/RDgGXy): It is time to retire Feinstein. She is an extreme liberal and doesn't represent most Californians.
Congress - Brian Bilbray (http://bit.ly/QspIbg): We can't afford Scott Peters. He was a key part of the SD City Council when it put the City in an enormous financial crisis.
CA Assembly - Brian Maienschein (http://bit.ly/WAi6qD): Brian has been a great public servant for SD, and I believe would represent us well in Sacramento.
Poway City Council - Steve Vaus (http://www.votevaus.com), Gary Vineyard (http://vineyardforpowaycouncil.com): Poway needs a change in the Council. These are two longtime residents who are pro-growth businessmen.
Prop 30 - NO: I have never seen a "temporary tax" in my life. When this expires they'll cry about how much money they are going to lose. Vote NO and make the politicians create responsible budgets that live within the means of the already collected taxes.
Prop 31 - YES: CA budget system is horrible. Making the politicians think more about the future is sorely needed.
Prop 32 - YES: Unions have a stranglehold on Sacramento, we need this to get power back to the citizens.
Prop 33 - NO: No need to change the law, if companies want to be more attractive they can lower their general rate.
Prop 34 - NO: The death penalty shouldn't be repealed, it should be enforce and more often.
Prop 35 - YES: I am all for tough crimes for those that would exploit the innocent among us.
Prop 36 - NO: If someone finds themselves in prison 3 separate times, I just really see no need to give them a 4th chance to defy society's rules.
Prop 37 - YES: Though most conservatives oppose this, I think people need to know what is in their food. This may not be perfect, but it is a start.
Prop 38 - NO: We spend enough on education, it just is poorly spent. No new taxes until reforms in place.
Prop 39 - NO: I generally support this, but since this law only spends the revenue on green projects, I think it is a wasteful law. The money should go to the general fund.
Prop 40 - NO: Though I strongly supported the redistricting commission idea, I did not like the news I heard of unions infiltrating the process.
I know there are other things on the ballot. If you want to know where I stand on endorsements for the Palomar Community College Board, Poway Unified School District, Palomar Health Board or Judge of the Superior Court (office #25) just send me an email: conservapendent@gmail.com.
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