Breakdown of nuclear family = Increased educational problems in America?

Author Victor Davis Hanson writes, "Too many students don't have two parents reminding them of the value of both abstract and practical learning." What an interesting idea!

As kids are preparing to head back to school, this is often the time of year when we are reminded of all that is wrong with our education system. But here's one that I bet we rarely think of: teachers and tenure. Sure, we all want job security... but the way to do that is through sustained, day-to-day performance, not a contractual agreement. Today, most teachers spend 3 years in the system and pending a review, and barring they didn't do anyting too outside the norm, they're handed tenure in a basket.

Hanson writes, "K-12 teachers should accept that tenure has outlived its usefulness. Near-guaranteed lifelong employment has become an archaic institution that shields educators from answerability. And tenure has not ensured ideological diversity and independence. Nearly the exact opposite -- a herd mentality -- presides within many school faculties. Periodic and renewable contracts -- with requirements, goals and incentives -- would far better ensure teacher credibility and accountability."

Click here to read Victor Davis Hanson's article, "Back to School Blues."