OOPS. Prematurely posted that.

What I meant to say is KERA is a bloated, ridiculous bit of beurocracy that has failed our students for too long.

It needs to be taken away and we need something better. This is tying up way too much of a teacher's time.

KERA

Tabo,

I see you are numbers crunchier and data person.
Thank you for being involved.

The founder of KET Leonard Press is living in Lexington, KY. Leonard Press was a man that saw a VISION and went after it.

VISONARIES are hard to find these days, as Visions require new and change structure.

And, YES, KERA does complicate the process, there needs to be changes made., but will they?

If we get extended gambling everything in Education will be all right. Just like it was with the passing of the lottery.

And, what did the General Assembly do with the Lottery money... ???? They used part of the income to add to the GENERAL FUND.

PUUUUU.,

The most difficult problem with education lies with parents. The degree of interest in learning has diminished since I was a student.

When I came home from school my mother and my father wanted to see what homework assignment. We did not have TV, at that time, nor the mindless, aggressive video games young people flock to today. The parents were involved.

Now, don't get the impression that my parents did my homework for me, forget it. But, I was held accountable. If my grades did not pick up the next semester I was in trouble. I wonder, in today's education process how many parents know about homework assignments of the children?
OR even if the homework was done.

Years ago, if your father taught you to work with your back and your hands and could earn a living that was the extent of home training.(1940's).
Back then there were plenty of day jobs if one wanted to work. Mostly menial jobs, but a pay check none the less.

I wonder . . .What is the level of education going to require in the future . . . to get a job?
Day jobs are pretty much taken over by illegals and summer jobs for high school students have virtually disappeared.

A better education is becoming more and more the demand level for future jobs. Those that do not find the will to STUDY, will be left to day jobs.

And day jobs are fine, if that is as far as you want to go.

What success from KERA? We have jacked up school years, jacked up curriculum, and teachers that have to teach to a test. Most of the kids that come out of school can't use resource material and have no idea how to research a problem. Learning to use reference materials seems to be lacking as well. It is not the fault of the teachers, it is the fault of the screwed up KERA system. Kill it now and return to basics.

Jim, it wasn't KET that I helped with, it was KEN. KEN is part of a national computer network used by educators, schools, colleges and students.

However, I was working for the Dept. of Education when KET was getting started and I helped them by providing enrollment statistics and data on schools which they used to plan their programming.

I am very proud of both KET and KEN.

Tabo,

I look forward also, to seeing what will become of all this, if anything.

Tabo,

Tab,

You were one of the people that help get KET started. My complimenents it a very worthwhile service for Kentucky.

Did you ever meet my friend Lenord Press? I was with Ken Hart many years ago when Len Press spoke to the local Lions Club about his dream for KET.
That was in the very early 60's.

It was a project Ken Hart supported vigorously.

Some said it couldn't be done . . . But look where KET is positioned today.

Tabo,

You tell me what percent of the Department of Education is administrative. I bet you don't know.

I can tell you this a lot of our education funds are used for new programs. These programs are initially funded by the Feds. So, a teacher, principal, or other administrative people see a government grant that pays for all the start up cost plus a hefty salary for the grant writer.

Now, we don't know . . . maybe you know, but we don't know how much of our dollar is going to administrative cost??

Nor will the Kentucky Department of Education address this issue. I have tried time and time again to put a number on this but no firm numbers exist from the KED. They do not release this information, I know I have asked many tmes for this figure, but . . not reply.

I do know this, when the Federal Grants run out then those services become part of the new budget for the KED. However the structure paid for with Federal funds is not infinity. And KED protects its turf with a UNION REPRESENTATION.

As far as Governor Beshear is in this matter this is all about his re-election. And nothing else.
Incumbents have abused the TRAVEL AND POLITICS for years by spending our tax money to get re elected. IMO that is wrong. They all do it, both D's and R's.

No question that state has a budget crisis, Education funds were cut back and administrators were asked to trim their budgets. Now the Governor is on a non stop campaign swing to meet the movers and shakers in those geographies.Any promises made about EDUCATION are only perception at this time. A feel good visit.

But, as the General Assembly convenes their answer to the economic downturn will be MORE GAMBLING.

And, if extended gambling passes, it will not generate ANY MONEY FOR EDUCATION. This task force . . . is nothing but perception.

Sure I am glad to see this Governor have education on his mind, but his favorite issue right now is money from Casinos and Slots.

TAX REFORM . . . TOTAL TAX REFORM IS WHAT IS NEEDED BUT POLITICO WON'T DO THAT . . .

Let's see...in the quote Mr. Stivers gave...let me look at this...ummm...no mention of an airplane...no mention of cardboard checks...no mention of campaigning...

Looks to me like this is another instance of shooting down the plan before you see if it works. You are assuming guilt before there is evidence.

I do not believe that EVERYTHING the govenor does and says is to better himself. Kentucky ranks low nationally in education. I am glad to see the govenor and educators working to improve education for our young people.

I was a member of the team that worked on planning for the Kentucky Education Network. I have been amazed at what the new technology has made available to students, teachers and parents. Those of us on this team had nothing to do with the Governor. Our focus was entirely on the students and how technology could better meet their needs. Do you know how we determined their needs? We talked to them.

As for the Department of Education, I bet you have no idea of all the services they provide to schools, teachers, students and their familes. They are continually striving to train, assist, and provide better tools for those teachers out on the front lines doing the teaching. If you think all the money that goes to the DOE is for administrative costs...you are wrong, sir. And, if you still picture a classroom as being closed with 30 desks in neat rows with a teacher and blackboard, then time has passed you by and your thinking is not up-to-date.

Our state is broke. Everyone wants to pay the teachers more but then they gripe because a new education tax was added to their utility bill. No one wants to pay more taxes. That's a fact.

I applaud the governor for trying to help make our education system stronger. I look forward to a task force that can talk to schools, teachers and students about their needs and make a plan to meet those needs within the bugetary limits we currently have.

Sorry...I'm not going to jump in and help you batter this plan. I think it is a good plan. And, I look forward to seeing what they come up with.

Tabo