Complicated Lessons

Men and HPV: My biggest question with HPV had to do with protection, because in the first segment, the woman who was talking said condoms don't help. That's not what this segment said. So I'm still confused. But I'm monogamous so I won't worry too much.

School Takeover: Administrations, be them school boards or mayor offices, can be corrupted and/or incompetent. Doesn't make a difference who controls the schools in my opinion, although the mayor's office has a lot more to do with its time. Plus, you do have districts that cross cities (or enter townships at least). My school district covers a small borough and a large township next to the town. Neither the mayor of the borough, and the township board, should have authority over a district serving both communities, so in this case a school board makes sense. As for what other cities do: Hey, whatever works.

Chat Room: It's ridiculous to think the current contravery over fired attorney's has anything to do with race. It does, as one of the commentators noted, have a lot to do with Democrats not wanted Gonzales to begin with. It was nice to hear more about school takeovers, but I didn't pay attention to the idol chatter because I don't watch American Idol.

Also, the Bill Fletcher Commentary isn't currently being found by iTunes, so maybe I'll download it later.

Sent by Scott K | 1:16 PM ET | 03-29-2007

HPV-Men/boys should be vaccinated also. Sweep the entire population, regardless of age, gender, socio-economics.

Sent by Christy | 2:25 PM ET | 03-29-2007

"His big idea is to insist upon increased standards of accountability for schools and to give parents more choices if the schools don't meet those standards (It's complicated, I know...)"

It's not all that complicated. Everyone is focused on making the school accountable (and it should be), but NO ONE is focused on holding the STUDENTS or the PARENTS accountable. Students that don't read their assignments, or do their homework, parents that don't read to their young kids, parents that don't feed their children a healthy breakfast... Much if not most of the accountability should be on them, not the schools. As a teacher, I try every day to get students interested in school. Yet if a student just doesn't want to participate, it's supposed to be my fault? It is hard enough being the teacher, but teachers have to act like teachers, friends and parents. It shouldn't be that way. Manners, morals, and good hygiene should be learned at home, not just at school, yet most kids still think it's okay to litter and not have to clean up for themselves. Is the failing really the teacher, or have parents stopped being responsible. Point all the fingers you want, but point them everywhere, including back at yourselves.

Sent by Chris B. | 1:19 PM ET | 03-30-2007

Mayors taking over schools? What do they know about education? People who run schools have actually been teachers and have received more education to become administrators. The problem with education does not lie with the teachers. The problem is that people who are not qualified are making decisions for highly qualified teachers and administrators.

Sent by Amy Walsh, Teacher | 2:42 PM ET | 03-30-2007

I work at a Doctor's office, none of my providers really had any information about the Vaccine ESPECIALLY for Males (like myself). I am not currently sexualy active however I feel that it is my responibility to make sure that (even before I become s.a.) I do not pass this virus from person to person. A very good friend of mine was "friend raped" about a year and a half ago and contracted HPV. This resulted in very bad pre-cancer cells in her pap smears. She went through months of Cancer Screenings, lancings, silver nitrate and more. She would Spotaniously bleed from her v****a due to the leep (sp?) procedure. Men and Women (BUT ESPECIALLY MEN) need education of the Subject of HPV. I am overeducated and very overeducated (for a layperson) when it comes to medical information; I had NEVER heard of HPV or the fact that it greatly increased the risk of cancer before her ordeal. I don't like that such a small group of females only were FDA Tested and apporved (though I realize this was to fast track the vaccine) and feel that this should be a vaccine given to all, except maybe celibate priests :-P (sorry depressing subject I had to go out on a "joke")

Sent by Josh | 7:07 PM ET | 03-30-2007

I do have to disappear about one of Amy Walsh's comments. Many school board members are community politicians are rarely have educational degrees. Superindents do, but not the school board. A mayor's role is to take over the school board.

Sent by Scott K | 10:18 AM ET | 04-05-2007

I live in Albuquerque and have three children in public schools here.
The problem with mayors taking control of schools is that it is only a temporary fix to unilaterally systemic problems within large school districts. What will happen when there is a new mayor? Will there be a completely new agenda? There are far too many questions to this proposed "solution" and there is no compelling evidence (see Chicago) that it works. The Board of Education controls the hiring/firing/analysis of performance of the superintendent. Mayor Chavez instigated legislation to propose allowing him to appoint Board members which takes the selection away from the people (voters) and could cause division within the Board.
Then there were considerations for breaking up the large school district which would only serve to break apart the funding of programs, create more cost (as in Utah) for even more administrations, and divide the tax bases which would therefore divide the entire community.
Parent involvement is apathetic, overall. It's very easy for parents to complain but I have yet see any sustained involvement from parents that is productive and positive toward making the school district work for their kids. Many believe the snippets of sensational, headline news and don't bother to find out what is really going on and how to effect a change.
Educators are frustrated in that they are so busy trying to work within NCLB restrictions that they are no longer teaching; they are teaching for testing.
In order to hold school districts accountable you have to have a solid base of parent involvement, educators who are paid a decent wage and given opportunities for professional development and are allowed to TEACH, solid measurements for effectiveness of curriculms, an engaged Board of Education, an engaged business/community, effective leadership, and solid communication.
There's much more to that but, in a nutshell, that's what a lot of school districts and communities are lacking.
The kids have to be held accountable to learn. Chris B.'s comment is spot-on about parent/child accountability. Most of the lower scoring schools are in poverty-level areas and that will greatly effect the over-all test scores and school/district ratings.
Poverty is everywhere and challenging every single school district.
Every child deserves a chance at a good education. We need to keep politics out of it, parents into it, educators commited, paid, and held to measurable standards, the community productively engaged, and administrators who are in touch with their constituents.
Thank you.

Sent by Natalie | 1:32 PM ET | 04-05-2007