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• Anonymous

  i thought we were supposed to be REDUCING the size of government, public ed included?  What was the point of NCLB if students are paying for high school work in college?

• Anonymous

  i thought we were supposed to be REDUCING the size of government, public ed included?  What was the point of NCLB if students are paying for high school work in college?

• Anonymous

  Hope this can happen, a new approach especially for those entering the skilled labor fields. What so many kids need who would rather work with their hands then sit behind a desk!

• Anonymous

  Hope this can happen, a new approach especially for those entering the skilled labor fields. What so many kids need who would rather work with their hands then sit behind a desk!

• Anonymous

  I don’t believe lone guy in Orono, that there will be a charge to the student. I know of high school students taking college courses in high school with no charge to them. Will have to wait and see…

• Anonymous

  I don’t believe lone guy in Orono, that there will be a charge to the student. I know of high school students taking college courses in high school with no charge to them. Will have to wait and see…

• Anonymous

  I don’t believe lone guy in Orono, that there will be a charge to the student. I know of high school students taking college courses in high school with no charge to them. Will have to wait and see…

• Anonymous

  I don’t believe lone guy in Orono, that there will be a charge to the student. I know of high school students taking college courses in high school with no charge to them. Will have to wait and see…

• Anonymous

  I don’t believe lone guy in Orono, that there will be a charge to the student. I know of high school students taking college courses in high school with no charge to them. Will have to wait and see…

• Anonymous

  I don’t believe lone guy in Orono, that there will be a charge to the student. I know of high school students taking college courses in high school with no charge to them. Will have to wait and see…

• 525_44

  This is really not a bad idea. A lot of kids would benefit from an additional year of high school, but five years shouldn’t be mandatory.

  There’s nothing wrong insuring that kids going on to higher education know how to read and write.
  Teachers are so busy with standardized testing [NCLB] that there is very little time for the kids to learn, understand and apply concepts.

  Along with trying to teach ethics that some parent’s fail to do.

• Anonymous

  Are you serious?? We now start kids in pre-kindergarden, then kindergarden, then 12 grades of elementary and secondary schools. 14 years altogether and some need remedial classes which according to LePage “adds to tuition costs.” If they can’t learn “reading, writing and arithmetic” in 14 years, why should the taxpayer pay for another year of school? Let the parents or student pay the tuition themselves. They should have paid attention the past 14 years!!

• Anonymous

  Are you serious?? We now start kids in pre-kindergarden, then kindergarden, then 12 grades of elementary and secondary schools. 14 years altogether and some need remedial classes which according to LePage “adds to tuition costs.” If they can’t learn “reading, writing and arithmetic” in 14 years, why should the taxpayer pay for another year of school? Let the parents or student pay the tuition themselves. They should have paid attention the past 14 years!!

• PabMainer

  An interesting concept this option for a “five year high school”…..the benefit could be seen if kids who take advantage of such an option could get credit for and complete some of the courses normally taken in the first year of college without the costs…..although there will obviously be a cost for the “5th” year so hopefully a complete breakdown of the cost differences and advantages (or disadvantage) can be provided along with other concerns……but in another mind-set, if high schools are offering college prep courses, then would this effort and cost be redundant, and if kids are supposedly getting college “prep” courses why is there such a need for remedial courses right now??

• Anonymous

  Taking free college courses essentially hurts schools such as the University of Maine.  Free courses are likely to cause an increase in tuition for all other students.  And my only other question is that if I am an admissions office employee at a school such as Penn State and I’m looking at student A who graduated with honors from some random school in Ohio against student B who graduated with honors from some school in Maine where it took him five years to graduate high school, which one am I more likely to accept?

• Anonymous

  Taking free college courses essentially hurts schools such as the University of Maine.  Free courses are likely to cause an increase in tuition for all other students.  And my only other question is that if I am an admissions office employee at a school such as Penn State and I’m looking at student A who graduated with honors from some random school in Ohio against student B who graduated with honors from some school in Maine where it took him five years to graduate high school, which one am I more likely to accept?

• Anonymous

  Ten more years of high school will do no good.  By the time our children are in high school, if they are not fully involved in learning, they were lost long before high school.  We need to teach them to love learning from day one.  Instead, we are either boring them to dead or not teaching them properly.  The time and attention needs to be in kindergarten.  We know, for a fact, that the early years are the most important.  LePage has it all wrong.

• Anonymous

  Ten more years of high school will do no good.  By the time our children are in high school, if they are not fully involved in learning, they were lost long before high school.  We need to teach them to love learning from day one.  Instead, we are either boring them to dead or not teaching them properly.  The time and attention needs to be in kindergarten.  We know, for a fact, that the early years are the most important.  LePage has it all wrong.

• http://twitter.com/BlaqkPhoenix777 BlaqkPhoenix777

  FACT: Students are required to take remedial courses in college because they didn’t learn what they needed to while in high school. The solution is not to add another year to high school, but to just teach students the material correctly the first time. These students aren’t learning the material they need to because educational standards are so lax in public schools that just about anybody can pass. Tougher standards are needed.

• http://twitter.com/BlaqkPhoenix777 BlaqkPhoenix777

  FACT: Students are required to take remedial courses in college because they didn’t learn what they needed to while in high school. The solution is not to add another year to high school, but to just teach students the material correctly the first time. These students aren’t learning the material they need to because educational standards are so lax in public schools that just about anybody can pass. Tougher standards are needed.

• http://twitter.com/BlaqkPhoenix777 BlaqkPhoenix777

  FACT: Students are required to take remedial courses in college because they didn’t learn what they needed to while in high school. The solution is not to add another year to high school, but to just teach students the material correctly the first time. These students aren’t learning the material they need to because educational standards are so lax in public schools that just about anybody can pass. Tougher standards are needed.

• http://twitter.com/BlaqkPhoenix777 BlaqkPhoenix777

  FACT: Students are required to take remedial courses in college because they didn’t learn what they needed to while in high school. The solution is not to add another year to high school, but to just teach students the material correctly the first time. These students aren’t learning the material they need to because educational standards are so lax in public schools that just about anybody can pass. Tougher standards are needed.

• http://twitter.com/BlaqkPhoenix777 BlaqkPhoenix777

  FACT: Students are required to take remedial courses in college because they didn’t learn what they needed to while in high school. The solution is not to add another year to high school, but to just teach students the material correctly the first time. These students aren’t learning the material they need to because educational standards are so lax in public schools that just about anybody can pass. Tougher standards are needed.

• http://twitter.com/BlaqkPhoenix777 BlaqkPhoenix777

  FACT: Students are required to take remedial courses in college because they didn’t learn what they needed to while in high school. The solution is not to add another year to high school, but to just teach students the material correctly the first time. These students aren’t learning the material they need to because educational standards are so lax in public schools that just about anybody can pass. Tougher standards are needed.

• http://twitter.com/BlaqkPhoenix777 BlaqkPhoenix777

  FACT: Students are required to take remedial courses in college because they didn’t learn what they needed to while in high school. The solution is not to add another year to high school, but to just teach students the material correctly the first time. These students aren’t learning the material they need to because educational standards are so lax in public schools that just about anybody can pass. Tougher standards are needed.

• http://twitter.com/BlaqkPhoenix777 BlaqkPhoenix777

  FACT: Students are required to take remedial courses in college because they didn’t learn what they needed to while in high school. The solution is not to add another year to high school, but to just teach students the material correctly the first time. These students aren’t learning the material they need to because educational standards are so lax in public schools that just about anybody can pass. Tougher standards are needed.

• http://twitter.com/BlaqkPhoenix777 BlaqkPhoenix777

  FACT: Students are required to take remedial courses in college because they didn’t learn what they needed to while in high school. The solution is not to add another year to high school, but to just teach students the material correctly the first time. These students aren’t learning the material they need to because educational standards are so lax in public schools that just about anybody can pass. Tougher standards are needed.

• Anonymous

  I feel like I have entered the “Twilight Zone”. It wasn’t that long ago that we kept hearing from our radical right tea party friends that public education was a failure. Wasn’t that the reason for implementing “Charter Schools”?  Teachers in public schools were ridiculed and having their ability to teach questioned. We heard how the MEA, an organization made up exclusively of teachers, was run by “union thugs”. We have been told, again by our radical right tea party friends, all about the “dumming down” of our kids by the public education system. All across our State school boards have been ordered to cut cost. In some cases resulting in lay-offs of teachers and increased class sizes. If our radical right tea party friends are correct isn’t adding another year to high school going to increase cost? Won’t it result in more of the supposedly unqualified teachers being employed? How does adding an extra year of high school make up for things that students should have learned in the lower grades like reading, writing, and basic math skills? How do we , if we are as broke as our radical right tea party friends have been telling us we are, pay for the extra year of high school? If this proposal had been brought up by a democratic Governor our tea party friends would have grabbed their signs, strapped on their side arms and descended en mass on Augusta. Welcome to the new dimension, welcome to The Twilight Zone. 

• Anonymous

  I feel like I have entered the “Twilight Zone”. It wasn’t that long ago that we kept hearing from our radical right tea party friends that public education was a failure. Wasn’t that the reason for implementing “Charter Schools”?  Teachers in public schools were ridiculed and having their ability to teach questioned. We heard how the MEA, an organization made up exclusively of teachers, was run by “union thugs”. We have been told, again by our radical right tea party friends, all about the “dumming down” of our kids by the public education system. All across our State school boards have been ordered to cut cost. In some cases resulting in lay-offs of teachers and increased class sizes. If our radical right tea party friends are correct isn’t adding another year to high school going to increase cost? Won’t it result in more of the supposedly unqualified teachers being employed? How does adding an extra year of high school make up for things that students should have learned in the lower grades like reading, writing, and basic math skills? How do we , if we are as broke as our radical right tea party friends have been telling us we are, pay for the extra year of high school? If this proposal had been brought up by a democratic Governor our tea party friends would have grabbed their signs, strapped on their side arms and descended en mass on Augusta. Welcome to the new dimension, welcome to The Twilight Zone. 

• Anonymous

  I feel like I have entered the “Twilight Zone”. It wasn’t that long ago that we kept hearing from our radical right tea party friends that public education was a failure. Wasn’t that the reason for implementing “Charter Schools”?  Teachers in public schools were ridiculed and having their ability to teach questioned. We heard how the MEA, an organization made up exclusively of teachers, was run by “union thugs”. We have been told, again by our radical right tea party friends, all about the “dumming down” of our kids by the public education system. All across our State school boards have been ordered to cut cost. In some cases resulting in lay-offs of teachers and increased class sizes. If our radical right tea party friends are correct isn’t adding another year to high school going to increase cost? Won’t it result in more of the supposedly unqualified teachers being employed? How does adding an extra year of high school make up for things that students should have learned in the lower grades like reading, writing, and basic math skills? How do we , if we are as broke as our radical right tea party friends have been telling us we are, pay for the extra year of high school? If this proposal had been brought up by a democratic Governor our tea party friends would have grabbed their signs, strapped on their side arms and descended en mass on Augusta. Welcome to the new dimension, welcome to The Twilight Zone. 

• Anonymous

  I feel like I have entered the “Twilight Zone”. It wasn’t that long ago that we kept hearing from our radical right tea party friends that public education was a failure. Wasn’t that the reason for implementing “Charter Schools”?  Teachers in public schools were ridiculed and having their ability to teach questioned. We heard how the MEA, an organization made up exclusively of teachers, was run by “union thugs”. We have been told, again by our radical right tea party friends, all about the “dumming down” of our kids by the public education system. All across our State school boards have been ordered to cut cost. In some cases resulting in lay-offs of teachers and increased class sizes. If our radical right tea party friends are correct isn’t adding another year to high school going to increase cost? Won’t it result in more of the supposedly unqualified teachers being employed? How does adding an extra year of high school make up for things that students should have learned in the lower grades like reading, writing, and basic math skills? How do we , if we are as broke as our radical right tea party friends have been telling us we are, pay for the extra year of high school? If this proposal had been brought up by a democratic Governor our tea party friends would have grabbed their signs, strapped on their side arms and descended en mass on Augusta. Welcome to the new dimension, welcome to The Twilight Zone. 

• Anonymous

  I feel like I have entered the “Twilight Zone”. It wasn’t that long ago that we kept hearing from our radical right tea party friends that public education was a failure. Wasn’t that the reason for implementing “Charter Schools”?  Teachers in public schools were ridiculed and having their ability to teach questioned. We heard how the MEA, an organization made up exclusively of teachers, was run by “union thugs”. We have been told, again by our radical right tea party friends, all about the “dumming down” of our kids by the public education system. All across our State school boards have been ordered to cut cost. In some cases resulting in lay-offs of teachers and increased class sizes. If our radical right tea party friends are correct isn’t adding another year to high school going to increase cost? Won’t it result in more of the supposedly unqualified teachers being employed? How does adding an extra year of high school make up for things that students should have learned in the lower grades like reading, writing, and basic math skills? How do we , if we are as broke as our radical right tea party friends have been telling us we are, pay for the extra year of high school? If this proposal had been brought up by a democratic Governor our tea party friends would have grabbed their signs, strapped on their side arms and descended en mass on Augusta. Welcome to the new dimension, welcome to The Twilight Zone. 

• Anonymous

  I have had college students tell me that they had to take a five year program there, which used to be done in four years.   Why can’t students get what they need in four years of high school and four years of college?  Dumbing down of America!

• Anonymous

  I have had college students tell me that they had to take a five year program there, which used to be done in four years.   Why can’t students get what they need in four years of high school and four years of college?  Dumbing down of America!

• Anonymous

  I have had college students tell me that they had to take a five year program there, which used to be done in four years.   Why can’t students get what they need in four years of high school and four years of college?  Dumbing down of America!

• Anonymous

  I have had college students tell me that they had to take a five year program there, which used to be done in four years.   Why can’t students get what they need in four years of high school and four years of college?  Dumbing down of America!

• Anonymous

  I have had college students tell me that they had to take a five year program there, which used to be done in four years.   Why can’t students get what they need in four years of high school and four years of college?  Dumbing down of America!

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_G7G4NOEAOOUUCFWVNMAQLDPAD4 Danni

  How about instead of spending money on a task force to study the 5 year program, the money for all these kids to take college level coarses, the money for the extra books, more food, more teachers etc….What if we paid for more and better qualified teachers! Thus we would have teachers that would have smaller classes and be better able to teach their students. If we actualy taught kids while they’re in school then they wouldn’t need booster coarses to get into collage.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_G7G4NOEAOOUUCFWVNMAQLDPAD4 Danni

  How about instead of spending money on a task force to study the 5 year program, the money for all these kids to take college level coarses, the money for the extra books, more food, more teachers etc….What if we paid for more and better qualified teachers! Thus we would have teachers that would have smaller classes and be better able to teach their students. If we actualy taught kids while they’re in school then they wouldn’t need booster coarses to get into collage.

• Anonymous

  So our taxes will fund college level courses for more high school students…..and this from a republican governor who professes to oppose raising taxes…..or is that only when the tax comes out of a millionaire’s pocket?

• Anonymous

  So our taxes will fund college level courses for more high school students…..and this from a republican governor who professes to oppose raising taxes…..or is that only when the tax comes out of a millionaire’s pocket?

• Anonymous

  All well and good, next question: how are those student going to afford college? With the way college costs are soaring a lot cannot afford to go or will have debt so big they will take decades to repay it.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_WLRO7OGEC43RKTSZUSJLRDQKQA Gary

  I agree with most of the posters here.  If I would have had a fifth year of high school (class of 1986), I wouldn’t have been any better or worse off coming out than the four years I did have because, quite frankly, most of the teachers as well as the guidance counselor at my high school, were idiots.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_WLRO7OGEC43RKTSZUSJLRDQKQA Gary

  I agree with most of the posters here.  If I would have had a fifth year of high school (class of 1986), I wouldn’t have been any better or worse off coming out than the four years I did have because, quite frankly, most of the teachers as well as the guidance counselor at my high school, were idiots.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_WLRO7OGEC43RKTSZUSJLRDQKQA Gary

  I agree with most of the posters here.  If I would have had a fifth year of high school (class of 1986), I wouldn’t have been any better or worse off coming out than the four years I did have because, quite frankly, most of the teachers as well as the guidance counselor at my high school, were idiots.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_WLRO7OGEC43RKTSZUSJLRDQKQA Gary

  I agree with most of the posters here.  If I would have had a fifth year of high school (class of 1986), I wouldn’t have been any better or worse off coming out than the four years I did have because, quite frankly, most of the teachers as well as the guidance counselor at my high school, were idiots.

• Anonymous

  Better qualified? Respectfully, you obviously ain’t no teacher. I am astounded at the mountain any person in this state has to climb in order to be certified as a teacher. That’s just certification. The hiring process is another hill and once hired (although many districts vary) most teachers undergo probation for two years. Plus most districts require ongoing training. I applaud anyone who fights to become a teacher. You have to really want it.

• yowsayowsa1

   You must feel rather at home in this twilight zone.

• yowsayowsa1

   You must feel rather at home in this twilight zone.

• yowsayowsa1

   You must feel rather at home in this twilight zone.

• yowsayowsa1

   You must feel rather at home in this twilight zone.

• Anonymous

  What are they supposed to do with the extra schooling? There are no jobs. 

• Anonymous

  But Danni, to be fair, I get your point on smaller classrooms. As far as the governor’s proposal. I’ll take a wait and see and do research on my own. I like thinking outside the box, it’s definitely worth a look.

• Anonymous

  But Danni, to be fair, I get your point on smaller classrooms. As far as the governor’s proposal. I’ll take a wait and see and do research on my own. I like thinking outside the box, it’s definitely worth a look.

• Anonymous

  But Danni, to be fair, I get your point on smaller classrooms. As far as the governor’s proposal. I’ll take a wait and see and do research on my own. I like thinking outside the box, it’s definitely worth a look.

• Anonymous

  But Danni, to be fair, I get your point on smaller classrooms. As far as the governor’s proposal. I’ll take a wait and see and do research on my own. I like thinking outside the box, it’s definitely worth a look.

• Anonymous

  Good post.
  If you are still looking for logic there, however, you are on a “fool’s errand.”!

• Anonymous

  Good post.
  If you are still looking for logic there, however, you are on a “fool’s errand.”!

• Anonymous

  Good post.
  If you are still looking for logic there, however, you are on a “fool’s errand.”!

• Anonymous

  Good post.
  If you are still looking for logic there, however, you are on a “fool’s errand.”!

• Anonymous

  The answer is to decrease high school and college so instead of taking eight years, it will only take six years. Students are already burnt out by the current approach so adding another year will only cause more burn out.

• Anonymous

  The answer is to decrease high school and college so instead of taking eight years, it will only take six years. Students are already burnt out by the current approach so adding another year will only cause more burn out.

• Anonymous

  The answer is to decrease high school and college so instead of taking eight years, it will only take six years. Students are already burnt out by the current approach so adding another year will only cause more burn out.

• Anonymous

  The answer is to decrease high school and college so instead of taking eight years, it will only take six years. Students are already burnt out by the current approach so adding another year will only cause more burn out.

• Anonymous

  More attention needs to be paid in the early grades as well. If the foundation is not in place then, it does not bode well in the subsequent grades. Another year of high school is not the answer…..unbelievable.

• Anonymous

  More attention needs to be paid in the early grades as well. If the foundation is not in place then, it does not bode well in the subsequent grades. Another year of high school is not the answer…..unbelievable.

• Anonymous

  More attention needs to be paid in the early grades as well. If the foundation is not in place then, it does not bode well in the subsequent grades. Another year of high school is not the answer…..unbelievable.

• Anonymous

  More attention needs to be paid in the early grades as well. If the foundation is not in place then, it does not bode well in the subsequent grades. Another year of high school is not the answer…..unbelievable.

• Anonymous

  Public schools are part of government correct? And if I remember our radical right tea party friends have been demanding smaller government , quite loudly as a matter of fact. In fact protesting big government was the reason for their coming into existence in the first place. So now we have a radical right tea party endorsed Governor attempting to expand government. I can’t wait to hear how they justify this.

• Anonymous

  Public schools are part of government correct? And if I remember our radical right tea party friends have been demanding smaller government , quite loudly as a matter of fact. In fact protesting big government was the reason for their coming into existence in the first place. So now we have a radical right tea party endorsed Governor attempting to expand government. I can’t wait to hear how they justify this.

• Anonymous

  I agree with what you are saying except for one thing.  For my wife and I, in regards to our children, the time and attention started when they were born, not in kindergarten.  I believe that a huge problem lies with the parents.  Not enough realize that it is their responsibility to teach children to love learning long before the school days start.  Because I get such a kick out of my children asking about something and explaining/teaching it to them, I can’t imagine being a parent that doesn’t feel that way.

• Anonymous

  I agree with what you are saying except for one thing.  For my wife and I, in regards to our children, the time and attention started when they were born, not in kindergarten.  I believe that a huge problem lies with the parents.  Not enough realize that it is their responsibility to teach children to love learning long before the school days start.  Because I get such a kick out of my children asking about something and explaining/teaching it to them, I can’t imagine being a parent that doesn’t feel that way.

• Anonymous

  I agree with what you are saying except for one thing.  For my wife and I, in regards to our children, the time and attention started when they were born, not in kindergarten.  I believe that a huge problem lies with the parents.  Not enough realize that it is their responsibility to teach children to love learning long before the school days start.  Because I get such a kick out of my children asking about something and explaining/teaching it to them, I can’t imagine being a parent that doesn’t feel that way.

• Anonymous

  In some aspects like this idea…………no stigma of …staying back……but also some schools give FULL credit for Vocational Schools …………unlike Guilford from what I UNDERTAND. If a student EXCELS they should be given full credit. NOT just Math & english.  Newport does this from what i UNDERSTAND. some kids just DO BETTER WITH HANDS ON. AND  please notice i said from what i understand.  Maybe this is where CHARTER SCHOOLS  come into affect

• StillRelaxin

  Mr. LePage states that students could get all this extra training in H.S. for “free.” Wow finally we’ve found something for free! I know Mr. LePage has received a lot of things for free in “his” life but really someone should tell him that for taxpaying citizens who actually pay property taxes (Which of course he knows little about himself) there’s no such thing as a free public education.

  I’d have to guess that at least some of the cost of this additional year and additional instruction is going to result in increased cost to local school districts and therefore local taxpayers. Hey if it’s for free why stop at one extra year, lets just move all the college professors into our local high schools and give our kids a chance at a free four year college degree? Wow, I’m sure starting to like this free way of getting ahead Mr. LePage.

  Opps sorry, time to get back to reality.

• Anonymous

  Maybe if we didn’t give them laptops and Ipads to do their thinking for them they might learn the basics.

• Anonymous

  Maybe if we didn’t give them laptops and Ipads to do their thinking for them they might learn the basics.

• Anonymous

  Maybe if we didn’t give them laptops and Ipads to do their thinking for them they might learn the basics.

• Anonymous

  Maybe if we didn’t give them laptops and Ipads to do their thinking for them they might learn the basics.

• Anonymous

  This is just his way of adding more JOBS! JOBS! JOBS!

• Anonymous

  You left one piece of information out of your question, “…against student B
  who graduated with honors from some school in Maine where it took him
  five years to graduate high school AND GRADUATE WITH AN ASSOCIATES DEGREE OR TWO YEARS OF TRANSFERABLE COLLEGE CREDIT, which one am I more likely to accept?”

• Anonymous

  You left one piece of information out of your question, “…against student B
  who graduated with honors from some school in Maine where it took him
  five years to graduate high school AND GRADUATE WITH AN ASSOCIATES DEGREE OR TWO YEARS OF TRANSFERABLE COLLEGE CREDIT, which one am I more likely to accept?”

• Anonymous

  You left one piece of information out of your question, “…against student B
  who graduated with honors from some school in Maine where it took him
  five years to graduate high school AND GRADUATE WITH AN ASSOCIATES DEGREE OR TWO YEARS OF TRANSFERABLE COLLEGE CREDIT, which one am I more likely to accept?”

• Anonymous

  You left one piece of information out of your question, “…against student B
  who graduated with honors from some school in Maine where it took him
  five years to graduate high school AND GRADUATE WITH AN ASSOCIATES DEGREE OR TWO YEARS OF TRANSFERABLE COLLEGE CREDIT, which one am I more likely to accept?”

• Anonymous

  You left one piece of information out of your question, “…against student B
  who graduated with honors from some school in Maine where it took him
  five years to graduate high school AND GRADUATE WITH AN ASSOCIATES DEGREE OR TWO YEARS OF TRANSFERABLE COLLEGE CREDIT, which one am I more likely to accept?”

• Anonymous

  I do believe ANY thing the Governor proposes will be found lacking by some posters. This is a GREAT idea and would give Maine kids an opportunity not afford to kids in other states.

• Anonymous

  Having an associates degree is about as beneficial as trying to get a high end job with a high school diploma. 

• Anonymous

  Having an associates degree is about as beneficial as trying to get a high end job with a high school diploma. 

• Anonymous

  Having an associates degree is about as beneficial as trying to get a high end job with a high school diploma. 

• Anonymous

  Having an associates degree is about as beneficial as trying to get a high end job with a high school diploma. 

• Anonymous

  FACT: Not all students are required to take remedial courses in college because they didn’t learn what they needed to while in high school.

• Anonymous

  FACT: Not all students are required to take remedial courses in college because they didn’t learn what they needed to while in high school.

• Anonymous

  FACT: Not all students are required to take remedial courses in college because they didn’t learn what they needed to while in high school.

• Anonymous

  I would think you would be in favor of this proposal. Given students the ability to take college courses in high school, graduating with an associates degree or 2 years of transferable college credits for little to no money out of the students or parents pockets.

• Anonymous

  I would think you would be in favor of this proposal. Given students the ability to take college courses in high school, graduating with an associates degree or 2 years of transferable college credits for little to no money out of the students or parents pockets.

• Anonymous

  I would think you would be in favor of this proposal. Given students the ability to take college courses in high school, graduating with an associates degree or 2 years of transferable college credits for little to no money out of the students or parents pockets.

• Anonymous

  And it would seem neither are you…”ain’t no”

• Anonymous

  And it would seem neither are you…”ain’t no”

• Anonymous

  And it would seem neither are you…”ain’t no”

• Anonymous

  And it would seem neither are you…”ain’t no”

• Anonymous

  And it would seem neither are you…”ain’t no”

• Anonymous

  And it would seem neither are you…”ain’t no”

• Anonymous

  And it would seem neither are you…”ain’t no”

• Anonymous

  And it would seem neither are you…”ain’t no”

• Anonymous

  And it would seem neither are you…”ain’t no”

• Anonymous

  And it would seem neither are you…”ain’t no”

• Anonymous

  And it would seem neither are you…”ain’t no”

• StillRelaxin

  And look he say’s that no one needs to Pay! Pay! Pay! It’s gonna all be FREE! FREE! FREE! Yipee!!! Glory be to LePage. The skies have parted and it’s clear that the man can now accomplish MIRACLES! Sainthood will surely soon follow. Or of course folks will wake up and see him for what he is.

• http://www.facebook.com/jlegere01 Joe Legere

  Agreed.  My step sons handwriting is so bad it looks like something you’d find in a pre-school class.  Last year I brought up the idea of not letting my step-son have the use of the laptops to type his papers and, instead, use the trusted pen and paper.  The teacher told me that asn’t possible because the laptops made it easier for her to grade paper.  She said it was faster.

• http://www.facebook.com/jlegere01 Joe Legere

  Agreed.  My step sons handwriting is so bad it looks like something you’d find in a pre-school class.  Last year I brought up the idea of not letting my step-son have the use of the laptops to type his papers and, instead, use the trusted pen and paper.  The teacher told me that asn’t possible because the laptops made it easier for her to grade paper.  She said it was faster.

• Anonymous

  Well if they graduate with an Associates degree they don’t necessarily need to go any further and if they have two years of transferable credit they only need to pay for two more years rather than 4 years.

• Anonymous

  Well if they graduate with an Associates degree they don’t necessarily need to go any further and if they have two years of transferable credit they only need to pay for two more years rather than 4 years.

• Anonymous

  Really? Most of your affiliated health care jobs (x-ray techs, respiratory techs, etc…) are two year Associate degrees.

• Anonymous

  Really? Most of your affiliated health care jobs (x-ray techs, respiratory techs, etc…) are two year Associate degrees.

• http://twitter.com/Phoebe6853 Phoebe Figalilly

   The dumbing down of America and Charter schools came about long before the modern day Tea Party was ever started.  If you had your facts straight and hadn’t gone off on a Tea Party rant your post probably would have been much better received,  Any valid points you were trying to make were overshadowed by your inane rant.  

• Anonymous

  The students aren’t learning because they have either been coddled by their PARENTS or because their parents barely know they exist. A massive number of kids (not all) in Maine public high schools fit into three categories: Smart and lazy, Dumb and lazy, hard-working and numb. Smart and hard-working are darn near extinct. Of course most adults look back at their school days with some odd notion that they tried harder and schools were more difficult in their day. Heck, your average Maine student (north of Lewiston) can only see a future as a WalMart greeter or burger flipper because those are about the only jobs left…so why study?

• StillRelaxin

  Leading reasons why what you say is true here.  Good parenting and or good peer group choices.  The standards are fine and the instruction is fine.   The average student however is shall we say, “Not Involved” in the learning process.  Anyone who doubts this need only spend a week or two substituting in their local schools system.  Go ahead I dare ya all!

• Anonymous

  Start 8th grade testing and determine whether or not a kid has the academic skills to go on…If not, have a real voc program and get the academics back in the high schools and the voc programs back into technical schools. Stop pushing a kid who either does not have the aptitude or will for the academic world into it…that would be the same as forcing a kid who was academically inclined to be a pipe fitter…Ditch mandatory academic education and leave it for the kids who want it.

• SwiftyMorgain

  The nonprofit Early College High School Initiative, which promotes systems that blend high school and college, says it has helped bring such offerings to nearly 30 states.

  If you do a search on Early College High School Initiative, you will find that they take public and private grants from philanthrapist and direct it to these schools.

  It seems very hard to find out the funding specifics, but that is a common  theme for philanthapist.

  This could actually be a good thing or there is an unusual amount of deception a foot!
  Time will tell.

• Anonymous

  Don’t try and figure out the government part. They are against government until they are for it. I think I have figured that out.
  I am not sure about this school idea.  It will either work out well for some or it won’t.  I think there are a lot of other areas in education that need attention as well.
  Kids who grow up in homes where education is important (and teachers respected) have a real advantage. Parents who get involved in the whole process…..those elements cannot be over emphasized.

• Anonymous

  It seems that paper and pencils are becoming almost a thing of the past!  Kind of sad…

• Anonymous

  I didn’t mention the parents’ responsibilies because I find that so many parents (not just the poorer ones) are not involved with their children like they should be.  I, too, spent many enjoyable hours with my son from the time he was born stimulating his brain.  He could read and write before he began kindergarten.  I was a single parent and worked fulltime, however, every hour I was not working was spent with my son.  I, too, absolutely loved being involved with him.  I was raised by a Mother who became a single parent with nine children.  She literally did not have any time to spend with us. And, she certainly could not afford to provide us with any additional help. The fact that she kept us together with a roof over our heads and food was a miracle. I found school a place where I could excel and receive recognition for excelling.  So, children can succeed even if they parents won’t or can’t give them the nuturing they need. 

• Anonymous

  I “received” the post just fine.

• Anonymous

  You are certainly to be commended!  It is unfortunate that people with that kind of attitude now are the exception and not the rule.

• acadiashores

   My gut reaction was to argue with you, but I think you do pose a really good point.  If a kid is not interested in academics at least that kid should get the chance to learn a real vocational skill.  There is absolutely no shame in taking a vocational path.  As a matter of fact, in this job market I WISH I had picked a trade.  We need plumbers, carpenters, brick layers, truck drivers.  I wish high schools would stop looking down their noses at very worthy and necessary careers.

• acadiashores

   My gut reaction was to argue with you, but I think you do pose a really good point.  If a kid is not interested in academics at least that kid should get the chance to learn a real vocational skill.  There is absolutely no shame in taking a vocational path.  As a matter of fact, in this job market I WISH I had picked a trade.  We need plumbers, carpenters, brick layers, truck drivers.  I wish high schools would stop looking down their noses at very worthy and necessary careers.

• acadiashores

   One more thing, most of the trades take a type of of intelligence I will never be smart enough to achieve.

• acadiashores

   One more thing, most of the trades take a type of of intelligence I will never be smart enough to achieve.

• acadiashores

   One more thing, most of the trades take a type of of intelligence I will never be smart enough to achieve.

• acadiashores

   One more thing, most of the trades take a type of of intelligence I will never be smart enough to achieve.

• Anonymous

  Once again a politician that wants to fix in High School what should have been done in elementary school. STOP pushing children through the system who haven’t mastered the skills they are supposed to learn in their current grade. It starts at the very beginning. As soon as these children learn that they can fail and will be kept behind they will start to pay more attention in school if for no other reason than they don’t want to be left behind their friends. This isn’t T-Ball where no score is kept. Real life has winners and losers.

• Anonymous

  Sounds like we need more schools and teachers like the ones you had. Plus, your desire to do well would have also been a huge factor. So, I say you did get something from seeing your mother’s hard work  and dedication; sticking to it and being conscientious.

• Anonymous

  Sounds like we need more schools and teachers like the ones you had. Plus, your desire to do well would have also been a huge factor. So, I say you did get something from seeing your mother’s hard work  and dedication; sticking to it and being conscientious.

• Anonymous

  Sounds like we need more schools and teachers like the ones you had. Plus, your desire to do well would have also been a huge factor. So, I say you did get something from seeing your mother’s hard work  and dedication; sticking to it and being conscientious.

• Anonymous

  Students are burnt out because they were pushed through to grade work they weren’t ready for and have spent most of their time in a fog. They weren’t given the foundation to build on. No foundation no house.

• Anonymous

  Students are burnt out because they were pushed through to grade work they weren’t ready for and have spent most of their time in a fog. They weren’t given the foundation to build on. No foundation no house.

• Anonymous

  Students are burnt out because they were pushed through to grade work they weren’t ready for and have spent most of their time in a fog. They weren’t given the foundation to build on. No foundation no house.

• Anonymous

  There is a lot to what you say. It should be a combination of things.
  Good points.

• Anonymous

  There is a lot to what you say. It should be a combination of things.
  Good points.

• Anonymous

  There is a lot to what you say. It should be a combination of things.
  Good points.

• Anonymous

  There is a lot to what you say. It should be a combination of things.
  Good points.

• Anonymous

  There is no such thing as free. Someone, in this case the property owners who are the major source of school funding are footing the bill. The state is just going to hand municipalities another unfunded mandate.
  It’s hard enough for tax payers to fund education, but the state already is mandating that we feed a large number of children 10 meals a week. The parents need to be forced to take responsibility of feeding their children.

• Anonymous

  If I’m not mistaken, I believe that Georgia has offered free college to their HS graduates.

• Anonymous

  It goes back at least 20 years when I fought with my daughter not to use a calculator to do her math homework. “But Dad, the teacher said we could!!”  

• Anonymous

  I pay property taxes on two different houses here in Maine. I have a daughter that is long out of public school. I would be more than happy to pay to give our youth the opportunity to get ahead and get a decent paying job.

  As far as parents taking responsibility. Many do and those that don’t, well someone has to steep up. Or would you prefer they go hungry?

• Anonymous

  I pay property taxes on two different houses here in Maine. I have a daughter that is long out of public school. I would be more than happy to pay to give our youth the opportunity to get ahead and get a decent paying job.

  As far as parents taking responsibility. Many do and those that don’t, well someone has to steep up. Or would you prefer they go hungry?

• Anonymous

  You believe or you know?

• Anonymous

  You believe or you know?

• Anonymous

  You believe or you know?

• Anonymous

  You believe or you know?

• Anonymous

  You believe or you know?

• Anonymous

  You believe or you know?

• Anonymous

  You believe or you know?

• Anonymous

  You are very right about my Mother which is why I sang her praises at my retirement dinner.  She taught us to work hard, be honest, and above all be respectful of others.

• Anonymous

  You are very right about my Mother which is why I sang her praises at my retirement dinner.  She taught us to work hard, be honest, and above all be respectful of others.

• Anonymous

  You are very right about my Mother which is why I sang her praises at my retirement dinner.  She taught us to work hard, be honest, and above all be respectful of others.

• Anonymous

  I don’t know about all high schools but my son took AP (Advanced Placement) classes in his. Those classes are college level classes. He had to take a test from some national organization and when he passed he got college credits he could transfer to the University. For each AP class he cold apply towards his degree that saved him about $1,100.00 per class. If he took another year and had a chance for more credits we would not have to take out as many student loans that will have to be paid back.  I like the sound of this plan.

• Anonymous

  I don’t know about all high schools but my son took AP (Advanced Placement) classes in his. Those classes are college level classes. He had to take a test from some national organization and when he passed he got college credits he could transfer to the University. For each AP class he cold apply towards his degree that saved him about $1,100.00 per class. If he took another year and had a chance for more credits we would not have to take out as many student loans that will have to be paid back.  I like the sound of this plan.

• Anonymous

  I don’t know about all high schools but my son took AP (Advanced Placement) classes in his. Those classes are college level classes. He had to take a test from some national organization and when he passed he got college credits he could transfer to the University. For each AP class he cold apply towards his degree that saved him about $1,100.00 per class. If he took another year and had a chance for more credits we would not have to take out as many student loans that will have to be paid back.  I like the sound of this plan.

• Anonymous

  It’s strange that LePage would suggest something like that.  Most secondary schools in other states are considering or already have in place an early exit option for seniors.  Basically a student completes high school in 3 years, in a reduced academic situation.  Their senior year is spent either at a community college or a “trade” school.   This gives the  students a year to get the feel for their chosen profession.   It is just an option, as the academically oriented student can spend their senior year at a traditional high school preparing them for admission to a 4 year school.

   Spending 5 years in high school in 2011 would bore most students out of their minds.  My son finished high school except for senior English his junior year.   His senior year he attended high school for one class and then went to school to learn to be a firefighter/paramedic.  It makes much more sense to shorten high school than to lengthen it.  We must realize that all students are not going to get 4 year college degrees, that some will make a good income by attending a 2 year program, and working while they learn.

   It seems the governor is talking out of both sides of his mouth in this matter.   More time in school isn’t the answer, its quality time, spent engaging a student.  I wonder who he is listening to on this one?

• Anonymous

  Sounds like the British and Canadian systems where the “13th year” is standard for students going on to college.

• Anonymous

  Sounds like the British and Canadian systems where the “13th year” is standard for students going on to college.

• Anonymous

  LePage said ” its free”.

• Anonymous

  LePage said ” its free”.

• Anonymous

  …..recommendations for funding with “existing resources in Maine.”  Ummm what would those existing resources be?  We can not fund our education system right now!….Just look at your tax dollars on education…..will this make that go up????

• Anonymous

  If the instruction was at least interesting and meaningful you would have the students more engaged in school  For the most part school is boring.  Education in this state needs to be more progressive ( interested in new ideas).  You have for the most part teachers teaching the same way they did 20 years ago (booooring). Right now 53% of students entering your local community college needs to take remedial  English and Math classes. What has happened to education?  Teachers blame the parents, parents blame the teachers and administrators blame all the mandates.

  I sure hope you’re not one of the many substitutes my kids complain who’s there to collect some extra money, but never does any teaching.

• Anonymous

  Yeah, sure it is.

• Anonymous

  Yeah, sure it is.

• Anonymous

  Yeah, sure it is.

• Anonymous

  Yeah, sure it is.

• Anonymous

  Just what we need in High School….Let’s mix 19 year olds with 14 year olds….sounds like a recipe for statutory rape…..

• Anonymous

  Just what we need in High School….Let’s mix 19 year olds with 14 year olds….sounds like a recipe for statutory rape…..

• listenuppeople

  scrooling for the peasants kost aton… kan’t thay just vork in da fields…

• Anonymous

  According to their website the cost for ECHSI is normally 5-17 percent per year higher then a normal high school. I am not against education. But I find it strange that a man who is supported by those who want to cut everything and have been so vocal about public education is not proposing to add an extra year which will certainly involve significant extra cost.

• Downeasta

  Back in my day, there was only one high school.  7-12, this is Maine, lets embrace the possibilities.  Good things will happen if you open your eyes.

• Downeasta

  Back in my day, there was only one high school.  7-12, this is Maine, lets embrace the possibilities.  Good things will happen if you open your eyes.

• http://twitter.com/Anidex Catherine Roberts

  Maybe instead of slapping on another year of high school, they should start getting rid of teachers who don’t feel bothered to teach and help students. 

• Anonymous

  However alot of the smart and hardworking do not get the education they need because there is no split in high school classes between the people going to college and the people who do not care and do not wish to succeed. Instead of an extra year why dont the schools bring back college prep classes? I took 2 college classes while I was in high school and it saved me $1200 dollars. I had an opportunity to take 2 more but I could not at the time. There is actually a program called the Early college program that allows students to take college classes and the school pays for it.

• Anonymous

  However alot of the smart and hardworking do not get the education they need because there is no split in high school classes between the people going to college and the people who do not care and do not wish to succeed. Instead of an extra year why dont the schools bring back college prep classes? I took 2 college classes while I was in high school and it saved me $1200 dollars. I had an opportunity to take 2 more but I could not at the time. There is actually a program called the Early college program that allows students to take college classes and the school pays for it.

• Anonymous

  Good question. I wonder if this will somehow turn out to be another step toward privatizing public education. LePage will “discover” that high school teachers aren’t certified to teach college-level courses, so non-union teachers will have to be hired to do those classes, and one of LePage’s corporate backers will just happen to own a company that provides these.

• Anonymous

  We are spending our money on over-priced school buildings rather than on the actual education of our students.  $175,000,000 in the last 3 years on just 4 schools in the Bangor area alone!  At $60,000,000 Hampden will have the most expensive high school in Maine history!

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_SHNOU64ZBOBIKWUF5IM6WSH7WA entitled4life

  good post, lets go back to the democrat way and do nothing.

• http://www.facebook.com/jlegere01 Joe Legere

  I know it.

• http://www.facebook.com/jlegere01 Joe Legere

  I hear that now.  I had an alegebra teacher in school that didn’t allow us to use calculators and told us “the answer means nothing if you don’t know how to get there.”  Whenever my kids come to me with a math problem they need help with I toss the calculator and go straight for the paper and pencil.

• Anonymous

  You’re on the same ‘wave length’ so it’s no surprise. If you read the story yourself you would realize that there is no extra money to be had for education and this is a study to find ways to improve on our current system and expand it, if that is possible, with the resources already being spent. It’s a fact finding mission not a revamping of our education system, but I see were you’re coming from, anyway to cast a shadow on the current administration is certainly worth a shot.

• Anonymous

  I’ll be the first to try…….I believe that what the Tea Party means by “smaller government” is smaller government checks to the people that won’t work, this study is to see if the school system can improve on the chances of the students it puts out of getting a job and supporting the ‘system’ instead of the other way around that is in place now. I truly believe that spending far less money than the Government is doing at it’s present rate, which is what the Tea Party is in favor of, will result in much smaller Government, those suckling the teet will go elsewhere to feed when it dries up.

• Anonymous

  Lepage envisions 60% of jobs in less than a decade will need some sort of college education.
  Why does a spray painting graffiti artist need college education.
  How bout a 40 oz. bottle of Colt 45 and some bathsalts. Thats inspiration right there.
  What type of jobs does LePage envision ??
  What does Obama envision ??

• Anonymous

  Lynne, Malcolm Gladwell did a whole analysis on this.  There is a huge advantage for kids whose parents get involved.

• Anonymous

  I am glad your son had the opportunity to do what he did. Did he graduated with an Associates degree in Fire Science or Emergency Medical Services? Because that’s what this program would do.

• Anonymous

  Why is it my responsibility to take care of someone who makes no effort to take care of him or her self?  We already spend over $10,000 per student to give them an education.  The solution is for the teachers to actually do their jobs and evaluate the students.  Those who have not learned the material should not be promoted and should not receive a diploma.  Instead we have teachers promoting unqualified students. The whole mess could be solved if teachers just did the job they’re paid for.  The problem with this is it would expose the poor job being done by the teachers, so the union will never allow it.

• Anonymous

  Why is it my responsibility to take care of someone who makes no effort to take care of him or her self?  We already spend over $10,000 per student to give them an education.  The solution is for the teachers to actually do their jobs and evaluate the students.  Those who have not learned the material should not be promoted and should not receive a diploma.  Instead we have teachers promoting unqualified students. The whole mess could be solved if teachers just did the job they’re paid for.  The problem with this is it would expose the poor job being done by the teachers, so the union will never allow it.

• Anonymous

  Why is it my responsibility to take care of someone who makes no effort to take care of him or her self?  We already spend over $10,000 per student to give them an education.  The solution is for the teachers to actually do their jobs and evaluate the students.  Those who have not learned the material should not be promoted and should not receive a diploma.  Instead we have teachers promoting unqualified students. The whole mess could be solved if teachers just did the job they’re paid for.  The problem with this is it would expose the poor job being done by the teachers, so the union will never allow it.

• Anonymous

  Why is it my responsibility to take care of someone who makes no effort to take care of him or her self?  We already spend over $10,000 per student to give them an education.  The solution is for the teachers to actually do their jobs and evaluate the students.  Those who have not learned the material should not be promoted and should not receive a diploma.  Instead we have teachers promoting unqualified students. The whole mess could be solved if teachers just did the job they’re paid for.  The problem with this is it would expose the poor job being done by the teachers, so the union will never allow it.

• Anonymous

  Why is it my responsibility to take care of someone who makes no effort to take care of him or her self?  We already spend over $10,000 per student to give them an education.  The solution is for the teachers to actually do their jobs and evaluate the students.  Those who have not learned the material should not be promoted and should not receive a diploma.  Instead we have teachers promoting unqualified students. The whole mess could be solved if teachers just did the job they’re paid for.  The problem with this is it would expose the poor job being done by the teachers, so the union will never allow it.

• Anonymous

  Does this Bowen guy really think that the guy working on his lawnmower is making $75.00 per hour?

• Anonymous

  And still the teachers turn out students that do not have the skills necessary to move on.  Why are the schools awarding diplomas to these students?  Are these highly qualified teachers unable to identify which students should graduate and which should not?

• Anonymous

  If the current state of high school graduates is any indication the result will be students with Associates degrees that still haven’t learned how to write and do math.

• Anonymous

  There should also be school all year.  There is no reason why kids should be vacationing all summer.
  The traditional summer break is just another teachers union ploy to dumb down the middle class and keep them dependent on the government. 

  I see kids running around and playing when they should be hitting he books.  Teachers are just working on their tans and figuring out how to use all their sick days wrapped around their weekends and holidays and vacations.   It is time to dump the teachers union, fire the current liberal teachers.  Then raise the teachers pay so conservatives can get in the classroom and teache proper conservative values.
  We love you Governor Lepage!

• Anonymous

  I work in education and agree 100%.  Vocational (“shop”) programs have been cut all over the place (are there more than a few left?).  Some kids want to do something like that (work on cars, weld, carpentry, etc), but they cannot get to the technical education programs like UTC in Bangor or HCTC in Ellsworth until their junior year.  By then, they have sputtered around for 2 years, possibly disengaged, now behind in credits so you know what, they CAN’T then go to a technical education center because if they do, they won’t be able to fit in the other courses they need to graduate.  Our former commissioner of education was always talking about all kids being college ready.  Well, the reality is not all kids will EVER be college ready.  Not all kids care about being college ready or have the aptitude to be successful in college.  THAT is why you see many kids having to take remedial courses in colleges.  When community colleges (who I am a big fan of overall) accept 99.99% of students, is it really any great mystery that some kids have to take remedial courses? 

  If a kid wants to learn a technical trade, let them do it in peace and go forth and do well for themselves.  Maine is a blue collar state, and if a kid has a work ethic (instilled by parents hopefully) and has learned a trade, he or she will probably be ok.  I know what I pay electricians or mechanics to do stuff for me.  There are kids who would never survive in AP Calculus, Chemistry, etc but would think nothing of tearing an engine apart, fixing it, and then putting it back together.  What is wrong with that skill?  I admire their confidence, curiosity, and fearlessness in doing so.

  If all kids go to 4 year colleges and get those 4 year degrees and get all of those jobs that take a 4 year degree (how many are there, anyway?), and make all that money, WHO will be left to build their houses, wire them, fix their cars, etc.

• Anonymous

  The Tea Party has only one thing in mind! To destroy everything  we have. The biggest hypocrites I’ve ever seen! Look at Bachman. She is crying to cut spending while she and her husband are getting Gov’t money for thier business. The Boston Tes Party was an event!Not a Political Party! What a bunch of Morons! 

• Anonymous

  If by privatizing, you are thinking of charter schools, just remember, I bet those charter schools (like private high schools now) do not have to have the qualifications/certifications to teach what they teach.  I would bet for the most part certified high school math teachers (as an example) are  as qualified to teach community college level math courses as the community college instructors.  There are high school teachers who are adjunct faculty at community colleges around the state already.

   When schools work with community colleges to offer their courses at the high school level, there can be stipulations on what qualifications the person needs in order to teach the course (a masters degree in the subject, etc).  That stuff is all worked about between the community colleges and the high schools.  I don’t see it being much of an issue (that is at least for certified teachers).

  Coming out of high school with more college credits can only be a good thing for the kids.

• Anonymous

  If by privatizing, you are thinking of charter schools, just remember, I bet those charter schools (like private high schools now) do not have to have the qualifications/certifications to teach what they teach.  I would bet for the most part certified high school math teachers (as an example) are  as qualified to teach community college level math courses as the community college instructors.  There are high school teachers who are adjunct faculty at community colleges around the state already.

   When schools work with community colleges to offer their courses at the high school level, there can be stipulations on what qualifications the person needs in order to teach the course (a masters degree in the subject, etc).  That stuff is all worked about between the community colleges and the high schools.  I don’t see it being much of an issue (that is at least for certified teachers).

  Coming out of high school with more college credits can only be a good thing for the kids.

• Anonymous

  If by privatizing, you are thinking of charter schools, just remember, I bet those charter schools (like private high schools now) do not have to have the qualifications/certifications to teach what they teach.  I would bet for the most part certified high school math teachers (as an example) are  as qualified to teach community college level math courses as the community college instructors.  There are high school teachers who are adjunct faculty at community colleges around the state already.

   When schools work with community colleges to offer their courses at the high school level, there can be stipulations on what qualifications the person needs in order to teach the course (a masters degree in the subject, etc).  That stuff is all worked about between the community colleges and the high schools.  I don’t see it being much of an issue (that is at least for certified teachers).

  Coming out of high school with more college credits can only be a good thing for the kids.

• Anonymous

  Le’Page is trying to take credit for something they are already doing and doing it in four years!

• Anonymous

  Le’Page is trying to take credit for something they are already doing and doing it in four years!

• Anonymous

  Le’Page is trying to take credit for something they are already doing and doing it in four years!

• Anonymous

  Le’Page is trying to take credit for something they are already doing and doing it in four years!

• Anonymous

  Le’Page is trying to take credit for something they are already doing and doing it in four years!

• Anonymous

  Le’Page is trying to take credit for something they are already doing and doing it in four years!

• Anonymous

  Le’Page is trying to take credit for something they are already doing and doing it in four years!

• Anonymous

  Le’Page is trying to take credit for something they are already doing and doing it in four years!

• Anonymous

  Le’Page is trying to take credit for something they are already doing and doing it in four years!

• Anonymous

  Le’Page is trying to take credit for something they are already doing and doing it in four years!

• Anonymous

  Le’Page is trying to take credit for something they are already doing and doing it in four years!

• Anonymous

  Le’Page is trying to take credit for something they are already doing and doing it in four years!

• Anonymous

  Le’Page is trying to take credit for something they are already doing and doing it in four years!

• Anonymous

  I have said many times, you get parents to get more interested in their kids’ education and show their kids that education is important, and public education would flourish.  It is no great mystery why standardized test scores are higher in communities with high household incomes.  It is NOT that those communities somehow have the market cornered on good teachers.  It is because those households value education and instill that in their children.  Some poor people instill the value of education in their children and there are some parents out there who do not/will not.  Some parents (really, this happens) who do NOT want their child to do better than their parents did.  That way of thinking baffles me, but it does exist.

• Anonymous

  I have said many times, you get parents to get more interested in their kids’ education and show their kids that education is important, and public education would flourish.  It is no great mystery why standardized test scores are higher in communities with high household incomes.  It is NOT that those communities somehow have the market cornered on good teachers.  It is because those households value education and instill that in their children.  Some poor people instill the value of education in their children and there are some parents out there who do not/will not.  Some parents (really, this happens) who do NOT want their child to do better than their parents did.  That way of thinking baffles me, but it does exist.

• Anonymous

  I have said many times, you get parents to get more interested in their kids’ education and show their kids that education is important, and public education would flourish.  It is no great mystery why standardized test scores are higher in communities with high household incomes.  It is NOT that those communities somehow have the market cornered on good teachers.  It is because those households value education and instill that in their children.  Some poor people instill the value of education in their children and there are some parents out there who do not/will not.  Some parents (really, this happens) who do NOT want their child to do better than their parents did.  That way of thinking baffles me, but it does exist.

• Anonymous

  I have said many times, you get parents to get more interested in their kids’ education and show their kids that education is important, and public education would flourish.  It is no great mystery why standardized test scores are higher in communities with high household incomes.  It is NOT that those communities somehow have the market cornered on good teachers.  It is because those households value education and instill that in their children.  Some poor people instill the value of education in their children and there are some parents out there who do not/will not.  Some parents (really, this happens) who do NOT want their child to do better than their parents did.  That way of thinking baffles me, but it does exist.

• StillRelaxin

  Wow it sure sounds like you’re not much of a supporter of education. You also seem to think you know what your talking about. I have my doubts on that.

  Everything in life tends to be boring until one figures out exactly what they are truly interested in. Today’s children are pretty much being self-reared and are interested in the only things that interest them, fun with friends, and or social media/entertainment. They are being raised by via personal phones, video games, laptops, twitter, facebook, and cable TV. Those are hard things to compete with when confronted with basic educational needs. For many fun with friends will always top educational pursuits.

  Parenting in large part ended 40 years or so ago. How did that happen? Lower wages and effective commercialism/marketing convinced folks that dual family incomes were necessary in order to survive. Is it really surprising to think that after 8-12 hour days of work not “every” mom or dad wants to spend a few hours with the kids. Many don’t. Many parents have simply lost touch with their kids and haven’t the energy or in many cases now (After a full generation of the same from their own parents) the knowledge about how to parent effectively.

  Because closed minds are near impossible to reach I’m not going to waste a lot of time telling you that education is doing just fine here because you don’t seem open to the possibility to begin with. I’ve always wondered though why so many people say that schools “ain’t teachin nothin” even though a fair percentage of students are still leaving schools with amazing abilities. Some still go to fine colleges and go on to make amazing contributions to society while I might add, making a pretty good living. How does that happen? Sure other factors are involved, but I’d say the primary factor was that they had great parents who encouraged them to take education seriously. With that as their starting point they went off to school and actually learned what was being taught every day by highly qualified teaching professionals. An interesting concept, huh?

  Your jab at the end concerning substitute teachers tells me a lot about your level of understanding on the subject of education. Unless they are long term substitutes (Usually requiring the need to be certified teachers) the average sub isn’t expected to do much teaching. Most subs are just folks off the street with high school educations. They are not qualified to provide in-depth instruction and are therefore usually only called upon to follow some basic lesson plan provided by the teacher. My plea/challenge to folks to try substituting has nothing to do with my experience as such. I only wanted to let folks know the easiest way of learning the realities surrounding the problems faced by educators today. Getting some first hand experience would seem to be a better alternative than getting on line and parroting something one read somewhere telling them what the problem may be. That’s about as reliable and intelligent of a strategy as getting a new diet plan via TV infomercial.

• StillRelaxin

  Wow it sure sounds like you’re not much of a supporter of education. You also seem to think you know what your talking about. I have my doubts on that.

  Everything in life tends to be boring until one figures out exactly what they are truly interested in. Today’s children are pretty much being self-reared and are interested in the only things that interest them, fun with friends, and or social media/entertainment. They are being raised by via personal phones, video games, laptops, twitter, facebook, and cable TV. Those are hard things to compete with when confronted with basic educational needs. For many fun with friends will always top educational pursuits.

  Parenting in large part ended 40 years or so ago. How did that happen? Lower wages and effective commercialism/marketing convinced folks that dual family incomes were necessary in order to survive. Is it really surprising to think that after 8-12 hour days of work not “every” mom or dad wants to spend a few hours with the kids. Many don’t. Many parents have simply lost touch with their kids and haven’t the energy or in many cases now (After a full generation of the same from their own parents) the knowledge about how to parent effectively.

  Because closed minds are near impossible to reach I’m not going to waste a lot of time telling you that education is doing just fine here because you don’t seem open to the possibility to begin with. I’ve always wondered though why so many people say that schools “ain’t teachin nothin” even though a fair percentage of students are still leaving schools with amazing abilities. Some still go to fine colleges and go on to make amazing contributions to society while I might add, making a pretty good living. How does that happen? Sure other factors are involved, but I’d say the primary factor was that they had great parents who encouraged them to take education seriously. With that as their starting point they went off to school and actually learned what was being taught every day by highly qualified teaching professionals. An interesting concept, huh?

  Your jab at the end concerning substitute teachers tells me a lot about your level of understanding on the subject of education. Unless they are long term substitutes (Usually requiring the need to be certified teachers) the average sub isn’t expected to do much teaching. Most subs are just folks off the street with high school educations. They are not qualified to provide in-depth instruction and are therefore usually only called upon to follow some basic lesson plan provided by the teacher. My plea/challenge to folks to try substituting has nothing to do with my experience as such. I only wanted to let folks know the easiest way of learning the realities surrounding the problems faced by educators today. Getting some first hand experience would seem to be a better alternative than getting on line and parroting something one read somewhere telling them what the problem may be. That’s about as reliable and intelligent of a strategy as getting a new diet plan via TV infomercial.

• StillRelaxin

  Wow it sure sounds like you’re not much of a supporter of education. You also seem to think you know what your talking about. I have my doubts on that.

  Everything in life tends to be boring until one figures out exactly what they are truly interested in. Today’s children are pretty much being self-reared and are interested in the only things that interest them, fun with friends, and or social media/entertainment. They are being raised by via personal phones, video games, laptops, twitter, facebook, and cable TV. Those are hard things to compete with when confronted with basic educational needs. For many fun with friends will always top educational pursuits.

  Parenting in large part ended 40 years or so ago. How did that happen? Lower wages and effective commercialism/marketing convinced folks that dual family incomes were necessary in order to survive. Is it really surprising to think that after 8-12 hour days of work not “every” mom or dad wants to spend a few hours with the kids. Many don’t. Many parents have simply lost touch with their kids and haven’t the energy or in many cases now (After a full generation of the same from their own parents) the knowledge about how to parent effectively.

  Because closed minds are near impossible to reach I’m not going to waste a lot of time telling you that education is doing just fine here because you don’t seem open to the possibility to begin with. I’ve always wondered though why so many people say that schools “ain’t teachin nothin” even though a fair percentage of students are still leaving schools with amazing abilities. Some still go to fine colleges and go on to make amazing contributions to society while I might add, making a pretty good living. How does that happen? Sure other factors are involved, but I’d say the primary factor was that they had great parents who encouraged them to take education seriously. With that as their starting point they went off to school and actually learned what was being taught every day by highly qualified teaching professionals. An interesting concept, huh?

  Your jab at the end concerning substitute teachers tells me a lot about your level of understanding on the subject of education. Unless they are long term substitutes (Usually requiring the need to be certified teachers) the average sub isn’t expected to do much teaching. Most subs are just folks off the street with high school educations. They are not qualified to provide in-depth instruction and are therefore usually only called upon to follow some basic lesson plan provided by the teacher. My plea/challenge to folks to try substituting has nothing to do with my experience as such. I only wanted to let folks know the easiest way of learning the realities surrounding the problems faced by educators today. Getting some first hand experience would seem to be a better alternative than getting on line and parroting something one read somewhere telling them what the problem may be. That’s about as reliable and intelligent of a strategy as getting a new diet plan via TV infomercial.

• StillRelaxin

  Wow it sure sounds like you’re not much of a supporter of education. You also seem to think you know what your talking about. I have my doubts on that.

  Everything in life tends to be boring until one figures out exactly what they are truly interested in. Today’s children are pretty much being self-reared and are interested in the only things that interest them, fun with friends, and or social media/entertainment. They are being raised by via personal phones, video games, laptops, twitter, facebook, and cable TV. Those are hard things to compete with when confronted with basic educational needs. For many fun with friends will always top educational pursuits.

  Parenting in large part ended 40 years or so ago. How did that happen? Lower wages and effective commercialism/marketing convinced folks that dual family incomes were necessary in order to survive. Is it really surprising to think that after 8-12 hour days of work not “every” mom or dad wants to spend a few hours with the kids. Many don’t. Many parents have simply lost touch with their kids and haven’t the energy or in many cases now (After a full generation of the same from their own parents) the knowledge about how to parent effectively.

  Because closed minds are near impossible to reach I’m not going to waste a lot of time telling you that education is doing just fine here because you don’t seem open to the possibility to begin with. I’ve always wondered though why so many people say that schools “ain’t teachin nothin” even though a fair percentage of students are still leaving schools with amazing abilities. Some still go to fine colleges and go on to make amazing contributions to society while I might add, making a pretty good living. How does that happen? Sure other factors are involved, but I’d say the primary factor was that they had great parents who encouraged them to take education seriously. With that as their starting point they went off to school and actually learned what was being taught every day by highly qualified teaching professionals. An interesting concept, huh?

  Your jab at the end concerning substitute teachers tells me a lot about your level of understanding on the subject of education. Unless they are long term substitutes (Usually requiring the need to be certified teachers) the average sub isn’t expected to do much teaching. Most subs are just folks off the street with high school educations. They are not qualified to provide in-depth instruction and are therefore usually only called upon to follow some basic lesson plan provided by the teacher. My plea/challenge to folks to try substituting has nothing to do with my experience as such. I only wanted to let folks know the easiest way of learning the realities surrounding the problems faced by educators today. Getting some first hand experience would seem to be a better alternative than getting on line and parroting something one read somewhere telling them what the problem may be. That’s about as reliable and intelligent of a strategy as getting a new diet plan via TV infomercial.

• StillRelaxin

  Wow it sure sounds like you’re not much of a supporter of education. You also seem to think you know what your talking about. I have my doubts on that.

  Everything in life tends to be boring until one figures out exactly what they are truly interested in. Today’s children are pretty much being self-reared and are interested in the only things that interest them, fun with friends, and or social media/entertainment. They are being raised by via personal phones, video games, laptops, twitter, facebook, and cable TV. Those are hard things to compete with when confronted with basic educational needs. For many fun with friends will always top educational pursuits.

  Parenting in large part ended 40 years or so ago. How did that happen? Lower wages and effective commercialism/marketing convinced folks that dual family incomes were necessary in order to survive. Is it really surprising to think that after 8-12 hour days of work not “every” mom or dad wants to spend a few hours with the kids. Many don’t. Many parents have simply lost touch with their kids and haven’t the energy or in many cases now (After a full generation of the same from their own parents) the knowledge about how to parent effectively.

  Because closed minds are near impossible to reach I’m not going to waste a lot of time telling you that education is doing just fine here because you don’t seem open to the possibility to begin with. I’ve always wondered though why so many people say that schools “ain’t teachin nothin” even though a fair percentage of students are still leaving schools with amazing abilities. Some still go to fine colleges and go on to make amazing contributions to society while I might add, making a pretty good living. How does that happen? Sure other factors are involved, but I’d say the primary factor was that they had great parents who encouraged them to take education seriously. With that as their starting point they went off to school and actually learned what was being taught every day by highly qualified teaching professionals. An interesting concept, huh?

  Your jab at the end concerning substitute teachers tells me a lot about your level of understanding on the subject of education. Unless they are long term substitutes (Usually requiring the need to be certified teachers) the average sub isn’t expected to do much teaching. Most subs are just folks off the street with high school educations. They are not qualified to provide in-depth instruction and are therefore usually only called upon to follow some basic lesson plan provided by the teacher. My plea/challenge to folks to try substituting has nothing to do with my experience as such. I only wanted to let folks know the easiest way of learning the realities surrounding the problems faced by educators today. Getting some first hand experience would seem to be a better alternative than getting on line and parroting something one read somewhere telling them what the problem may be. That’s about as reliable and intelligent of a strategy as getting a new diet plan via TV infomercial.

• StillRelaxin

  Wow it sure sounds like you’re not much of a supporter of education. You also seem to think you know what your talking about. I have my doubts on that.

  Everything in life tends to be boring until one figures out exactly what they are truly interested in. Today’s children are pretty much being self-reared and are interested in the only things that interest them, fun with friends, and or social media/entertainment. They are being raised by via personal phones, video games, laptops, twitter, facebook, and cable TV. Those are hard things to compete with when confronted with basic educational needs. For many fun with friends will always top educational pursuits.

  Parenting in large part ended 40 years or so ago. How did that happen? Lower wages and effective commercialism/marketing convinced folks that dual family incomes were necessary in order to survive. Is it really surprising to think that after 8-12 hour days of work not “every” mom or dad wants to spend a few hours with the kids. Many don’t. Many parents have simply lost touch with their kids and haven’t the energy or in many cases now (After a full generation of the same from their own parents) the knowledge about how to parent effectively.

  Because closed minds are near impossible to reach I’m not going to waste a lot of time telling you that education is doing just fine here because you don’t seem open to the possibility to begin with. I’ve always wondered though why so many people say that schools “ain’t teachin nothin” even though a fair percentage of students are still leaving schools with amazing abilities. Some still go to fine colleges and go on to make amazing contributions to society while I might add, making a pretty good living. How does that happen? Sure other factors are involved, but I’d say the primary factor was that they had great parents who encouraged them to take education seriously. With that as their starting point they went off to school and actually learned what was being taught every day by highly qualified teaching professionals. An interesting concept, huh?

  Your jab at the end concerning substitute teachers tells me a lot about your level of understanding on the subject of education. Unless they are long term substitutes (Usually requiring the need to be certified teachers) the average sub isn’t expected to do much teaching. Most subs are just folks off the street with high school educations. They are not qualified to provide in-depth instruction and are therefore usually only called upon to follow some basic lesson plan provided by the teacher. My plea/challenge to folks to try substituting has nothing to do with my experience as such. I only wanted to let folks know the easiest way of learning the realities surrounding the problems faced by educators today. Getting some first hand experience would seem to be a better alternative than getting on line and parroting something one read somewhere telling them what the problem may be. That’s about as reliable and intelligent of a strategy as getting a new diet plan via TV infomercial.

• Anonymous

  Students are burned out by the current approach?  The kids most at risk of burn out are the high achieving kids who take 5 AP classes a year and work on 3 hours of sleep a night.  Somehow they get through.  The kids who have low expectations and stumble through school are typically not burned out, they simply don’t like sitting in classes (and most would prefer to do something more hands on, while there are others who want to do absolutely nothing but smoke pot and sit on their parents’ couch for the next 60 years).

• Anonymous

  Students are burned out by the current approach?  The kids most at risk of burn out are the high achieving kids who take 5 AP classes a year and work on 3 hours of sleep a night.  Somehow they get through.  The kids who have low expectations and stumble through school are typically not burned out, they simply don’t like sitting in classes (and most would prefer to do something more hands on, while there are others who want to do absolutely nothing but smoke pot and sit on their parents’ couch for the next 60 years).

• Anonymous

  Students are burned out by the current approach?  The kids most at risk of burn out are the high achieving kids who take 5 AP classes a year and work on 3 hours of sleep a night.  Somehow they get through.  The kids who have low expectations and stumble through school are typically not burned out, they simply don’t like sitting in classes (and most would prefer to do something more hands on, while there are others who want to do absolutely nothing but smoke pot and sit on their parents’ couch for the next 60 years).

• Anonymous

  Students are burned out by the current approach?  The kids most at risk of burn out are the high achieving kids who take 5 AP classes a year and work on 3 hours of sleep a night.  Somehow they get through.  The kids who have low expectations and stumble through school are typically not burned out, they simply don’t like sitting in classes (and most would prefer to do something more hands on, while there are others who want to do absolutely nothing but smoke pot and sit on their parents’ couch for the next 60 years).

• Anonymous

  Students are burned out by the current approach?  The kids most at risk of burn out are the high achieving kids who take 5 AP classes a year and work on 3 hours of sleep a night.  Somehow they get through.  The kids who have low expectations and stumble through school are typically not burned out, they simply don’t like sitting in classes (and most would prefer to do something more hands on, while there are others who want to do absolutely nothing but smoke pot and sit on their parents’ couch for the next 60 years).

• Anonymous

  Students are burned out by the current approach?  The kids most at risk of burn out are the high achieving kids who take 5 AP classes a year and work on 3 hours of sleep a night.  Somehow they get through.  The kids who have low expectations and stumble through school are typically not burned out, they simply don’t like sitting in classes (and most would prefer to do something more hands on, while there are others who want to do absolutely nothing but smoke pot and sit on their parents’ couch for the next 60 years).

• Anonymous

  “Why is it my responsibility to take care of someone who makes no effort to take care of him or her self?”

  Well when the parents don’t step up or are unable to provide the food, etc…that they need WE need to step up. Or would you prefer the child go hungry.

• Anonymous

  “Why is it my responsibility to take care of someone who makes no effort to take care of him or her self?”

  Well when the parents don’t step up or are unable to provide the food, etc…that they need WE need to step up. Or would you prefer the child go hungry.

• Anonymous

  You are talking about public school teachers (who in nearly every case, are very well qualified for their positions).  Private schools can hire anybody to teach anything.  State certification is meaningless to them.

  I do find it interesting this perception that some on here have that public school teachers are not qualified to teach their chosen subjects. 

  When our society can come up with a way for some people to be better, more engaged parents, class sizes will be a non-issue in many places.  30 years ago around here, class sizes of 30-35 may have been normal, now it might be 17-24.  It isn’t the quality of  teaching that has changed, it is that now many of those 17-24 have no respect for adults, themselves or education so a class of 20 now is more difficult for a teacher to manage than a class of 30-35 was 30 years ago…..and where do the kids get that?……Parenting.  Kids who are brought up to value education will behave in school, pay attention and do well.  The “cure” for public education starts at home.  If you couple that with giving kids more technical/vocational options earlier in their high school career (so we don’t have to force a kid to sit through World History when they would rather be learning a trade) our schools would be better for ALL kids.

• Anonymous

  First, not all students haven’t learned to “write” and “do math” before graduation.

  Second, why do you choose to paint with such a broad brush.

• Anonymous

  I understand what you are saying about children, BUT there should be some kind of level of responsibility for something on the parents’ part.  We live in a society where “oh, I will just have a kid and let somebody else figure everything else out”.  We do have many people having children who have zero business having children (either financially or just their god given inability to properly look after and raise a child).  Our society is decaying before our eyes, and I do not see it getting better.  When I was in high school, I had a few friends whose parents were divorced.  Now at school, if I run into a kid whose parents are together, I am somewhat surprised….sad but true.

• Anonymous

  I understand what you are saying about children, BUT there should be some kind of level of responsibility for something on the parents’ part.  We live in a society where “oh, I will just have a kid and let somebody else figure everything else out”.  We do have many people having children who have zero business having children (either financially or just their god given inability to properly look after and raise a child).  Our society is decaying before our eyes, and I do not see it getting better.  When I was in high school, I had a few friends whose parents were divorced.  Now at school, if I run into a kid whose parents are together, I am somewhat surprised….sad but true.

• Anonymous

  I understand what you are saying about children, BUT there should be some kind of level of responsibility for something on the parents’ part.  We live in a society where “oh, I will just have a kid and let somebody else figure everything else out”.  We do have many people having children who have zero business having children (either financially or just their god given inability to properly look after and raise a child).  Our society is decaying before our eyes, and I do not see it getting better.  When I was in high school, I had a few friends whose parents were divorced.  Now at school, if I run into a kid whose parents are together, I am somewhat surprised….sad but true.

• Anonymous

  I understand what you are saying about children, BUT there should be some kind of level of responsibility for something on the parents’ part.  We live in a society where “oh, I will just have a kid and let somebody else figure everything else out”.  We do have many people having children who have zero business having children (either financially or just their god given inability to properly look after and raise a child).  Our society is decaying before our eyes, and I do not see it getting better.  When I was in high school, I had a few friends whose parents were divorced.  Now at school, if I run into a kid whose parents are together, I am somewhat surprised….sad but true.

• Anonymous

  Nothing is free for those of us who pay taxes.

• Anonymous

  Law,

  Yes, most high schools have some number of AP courses (AP is a creation of the collegeboard…the folks who brought us the PSAT/SAT, etc).  Typically larger schools will have more AP offerings (makes sense).  The very small rural schools may not have as many offerings.  However, they can now pretty much access AP courses online for their kids as well.  AP is a great program, and I have had some of my kids at school go into their 1st year of college as nearly a sophomore due to all of the credits they had earned through AP tests.

• Anonymous

  Law,

  Yes, most high schools have some number of AP courses (AP is a creation of the collegeboard…the folks who brought us the PSAT/SAT, etc).  Typically larger schools will have more AP offerings (makes sense).  The very small rural schools may not have as many offerings.  However, they can now pretty much access AP courses online for their kids as well.  AP is a great program, and I have had some of my kids at school go into their 1st year of college as nearly a sophomore due to all of the credits they had earned through AP tests.

• Anonymous

  From what I understand about school funding, schools get a certain amount of money from the state per student.  If the state is now going to send a check for that student for 5 years instead of 4, I don’t see how it doesn’t cost more money.  Now, if the number of kids who wanted/needed a 5 year of high school was offset by the number of kids who could finish high school in 3 years, then that would be different.  I like that things are being looked at, but overall, a 5th year is going to cost somebody more.

• Anonymous

  From what I understand about school funding, schools get a certain amount of money from the state per student.  If the state is now going to send a check for that student for 5 years instead of 4, I don’t see how it doesn’t cost more money.  Now, if the number of kids who wanted/needed a 5 year of high school was offset by the number of kids who could finish high school in 3 years, then that would be different.  I like that things are being looked at, but overall, a 5th year is going to cost somebody more.

• Anonymous

  From what I understand about school funding, schools get a certain amount of money from the state per student.  If the state is now going to send a check for that student for 5 years instead of 4, I don’t see how it doesn’t cost more money.  Now, if the number of kids who wanted/needed a 5 year of high school was offset by the number of kids who could finish high school in 3 years, then that would be different.  I like that things are being looked at, but overall, a 5th year is going to cost somebody more.

• Anonymous

  From what I understand about school funding, schools get a certain amount of money from the state per student.  If the state is now going to send a check for that student for 5 years instead of 4, I don’t see how it doesn’t cost more money.  Now, if the number of kids who wanted/needed a 5 year of high school was offset by the number of kids who could finish high school in 3 years, then that would be different.  I like that things are being looked at, but overall, a 5th year is going to cost somebody more.

• Anonymous

  From what I understand about school funding, schools get a certain amount of money from the state per student.  If the state is now going to send a check for that student for 5 years instead of 4, I don’t see how it doesn’t cost more money.  Now, if the number of kids who wanted/needed a 5 year of high school was offset by the number of kids who could finish high school in 3 years, then that would be different.  I like that things are being looked at, but overall, a 5th year is going to cost somebody more.

• Anonymous

  From what I understand about school funding, schools get a certain amount of money from the state per student.  If the state is now going to send a check for that student for 5 years instead of 4, I don’t see how it doesn’t cost more money.  Now, if the number of kids who wanted/needed a 5 year of high school was offset by the number of kids who could finish high school in 3 years, then that would be different.  I like that things are being looked at, but overall, a 5th year is going to cost somebody more.

• Anonymous

  From what I understand about school funding, schools get a certain amount of money from the state per student.  If the state is now going to send a check for that student for 5 years instead of 4, I don’t see how it doesn’t cost more money.  Now, if the number of kids who wanted/needed a 5 year of high school was offset by the number of kids who could finish high school in 3 years, then that would be different.  I like that things are being looked at, but overall, a 5th year is going to cost somebody more.

• Anonymous

  From what I understand about school funding, schools get a certain amount of money from the state per student.  If the state is now going to send a check for that student for 5 years instead of 4, I don’t see how it doesn’t cost more money.  Now, if the number of kids who wanted/needed a 5 year of high school was offset by the number of kids who could finish high school in 3 years, then that would be different.  I like that things are being looked at, but overall, a 5th year is going to cost somebody more.

• Anonymous

  From what I understand about school funding, schools get a certain amount of money from the state per student.  If the state is now going to send a check for that student for 5 years instead of 4, I don’t see how it doesn’t cost more money.  Now, if the number of kids who wanted/needed a 5 year of high school was offset by the number of kids who could finish high school in 3 years, then that would be different.  I like that things are being looked at, but overall, a 5th year is going to cost somebody more.

• Anonymous

  From what I understand about school funding, schools get a certain amount of money from the state per student.  If the state is now going to send a check for that student for 5 years instead of 4, I don’t see how it doesn’t cost more money.  Now, if the number of kids who wanted/needed a 5 year of high school was offset by the number of kids who could finish high school in 3 years, then that would be different.  I like that things are being looked at, but overall, a 5th year is going to cost somebody more.

• Anonymous

  The community colleges have an Early College for ME program where some high school kids can take 2 community college courses their senior year, and the cost is waived by the community college.  UMaine and Husson have early college programs as well….great programs

• Anonymous

  …and when community colleges accept virtually every student who applies (that is FACT), of course some of those students will need to take remedial courses.

  The “oh school is boring” line is the cop out of so many parents whose kids don’t do well in high school (well, that line and “oh my kid just doesn’t test well”).  The fact is most kids if they are bored and don’t do well have their parents blaming the school (“Johnny is really smart, just bored…..right…most of the time Johnny just isn’t nearly as smart as mommy thinks).

  The fix for public education starts at home.  When parents are not allowed to pressure school districts (you ever wonder WHY half or more of middle schoolers seem to make the honor roll?).  It isn’t because those kids are unusually smart.  It is because parents love to see that name in the paper and love to have those idiotic bumper stickers on their cars about their kid being an honor roll student.  If a kid fails a test now, parents call complaining about “why can’t he take it over, but he was sick, but he doesn’t test well, but he didn’t have his Wheaties for breakfast but he was up until 4am on X-Box surely there is SOMETHING the school can do).  Many districts realize that if they keep the parents happy (elevate those grades, give out certificates of achievement for every ridiculous thing in the world), then everything is ok……except a byproduct of that is education gets watered down to keep those honor roll numbers up and then when the kid gets to high school, they are very unprepared in many cases.  Then the parents can wonder why Johnny was an honor roll student all through middle school and is now struggling to pass in high school.  It happens all the time in every community (more so in some communities than others).

   

• Anonymous

  …and when community colleges accept virtually every student who applies (that is FACT), of course some of those students will need to take remedial courses.

  The “oh school is boring” line is the cop out of so many parents whose kids don’t do well in high school (well, that line and “oh my kid just doesn’t test well”).  The fact is most kids if they are bored and don’t do well have their parents blaming the school (“Johnny is really smart, just bored…..right…most of the time Johnny just isn’t nearly as smart as mommy thinks).

  The fix for public education starts at home.  When parents are not allowed to pressure school districts (you ever wonder WHY half or more of middle schoolers seem to make the honor roll?).  It isn’t because those kids are unusually smart.  It is because parents love to see that name in the paper and love to have those idiotic bumper stickers on their cars about their kid being an honor roll student.  If a kid fails a test now, parents call complaining about “why can’t he take it over, but he was sick, but he doesn’t test well, but he didn’t have his Wheaties for breakfast but he was up until 4am on X-Box surely there is SOMETHING the school can do).  Many districts realize that if they keep the parents happy (elevate those grades, give out certificates of achievement for every ridiculous thing in the world), then everything is ok……except a byproduct of that is education gets watered down to keep those honor roll numbers up and then when the kid gets to high school, they are very unprepared in many cases.  Then the parents can wonder why Johnny was an honor roll student all through middle school and is now struggling to pass in high school.  It happens all the time in every community (more so in some communities than others).

   

• Anonymous

  Again, the “fix” for public education starts at home.  Many parents unfortunately think their responsibility ended when the kid was born.  Then it is up to everybody else to take care of the kid.  If I had a dime for every time I heard a parent say in a meeting at a school “What are YOU going to do to make sure my kid passes”

  Well MOM and DAD, how about what are YOU going to do to make sure he does some homework, studies for tests, gets to school more than 3 days per week?  Parents do not want to deal with or accept their shortcomings so when the kid doesn’t do well, gets in trouble, etc, it is all that school’s fault.

  Focus on learning and education, get the kid involved in it before they get to school as you suggest, and the battle is won.  I can say with about 99% certainty from your post that your child will have a very good school experience because you are setting him/her up for success.

• Anonymous

  I am not sure if they all get it.  IF a GA kid gets into the the Univ of GA, it is free.  I do not know if the community colleges are free, but yes, this happens.  How they swing this financially is pretty impressive.

• Anonymous

  I am not sure if they all get it.  IF a GA kid gets into the the Univ of GA, it is free.  I do not know if the community colleges are free, but yes, this happens.  How they swing this financially is pretty impressive.

• Anonymous

  I hear ya Joe.  My algebra teacher would mark the problem as a zero if we didn’t show the steps that led to our answer.  Try getting away with that nowadays!

• Anonymous

  I hear ya Joe.  My algebra teacher would mark the problem as a zero if we didn’t show the steps that led to our answer.  Try getting away with that nowadays!

• Anonymous

  I hear ya Joe.  My algebra teacher would mark the problem as a zero if we didn’t show the steps that led to our answer.  Try getting away with that nowadays!

• Anonymous

  I hear ya Joe.  My algebra teacher would mark the problem as a zero if we didn’t show the steps that led to our answer.  Try getting away with that nowadays!

• Anonymous

  but you have to understand WHY teachers started letting the kids use calculators.  I bet it had to do with more parents complaining, “but my kid just can’t memorize all of those rules of math and multiplication tables”.  I see no reason why a kid needs a calculator at all until they maybe get to Algebra 1.  By then, you SHOULD have mastered all of the necessary math skills (add/sub/div/mult, fractions, decimals, etc).

  When I was in school, you built on your math foundation every year.  We didn’t try Algebra in 6th grade as they do now (while the kids couldn’t add fractions to save their lives).  You did what you had to do and mastered it.  Then in the next grade, you didn’t need a month of “review” to refresh your memory on stuff you should have mastered already.  Remember, many parents of elementary kids want to see those honor roll lists in the paper, regardless of what the kid is learning.  You can’t have it both ways…….want to see those “A” averages on report cards and then when your kid gets to high school and is unprepared, complain about the elementary schools.

  I think every grade should be more difficult than it is.  High schools get kids coming in very ill-prepared.  The touchy feely self-esteem garbage that is elementary/middle school is NOT doing our kids any good.  Everybody makes honor roll, everybody wins, nobody loses, everybody gets a certificate………..THIS is a problem.

• Anonymous

  but you have to understand WHY teachers started letting the kids use calculators.  I bet it had to do with more parents complaining, “but my kid just can’t memorize all of those rules of math and multiplication tables”.  I see no reason why a kid needs a calculator at all until they maybe get to Algebra 1.  By then, you SHOULD have mastered all of the necessary math skills (add/sub/div/mult, fractions, decimals, etc).

  When I was in school, you built on your math foundation every year.  We didn’t try Algebra in 6th grade as they do now (while the kids couldn’t add fractions to save their lives).  You did what you had to do and mastered it.  Then in the next grade, you didn’t need a month of “review” to refresh your memory on stuff you should have mastered already.  Remember, many parents of elementary kids want to see those honor roll lists in the paper, regardless of what the kid is learning.  You can’t have it both ways…….want to see those “A” averages on report cards and then when your kid gets to high school and is unprepared, complain about the elementary schools.

  I think every grade should be more difficult than it is.  High schools get kids coming in very ill-prepared.  The touchy feely self-esteem garbage that is elementary/middle school is NOT doing our kids any good.  Everybody makes honor roll, everybody wins, nobody loses, everybody gets a certificate………..THIS is a problem.

• SwiftyMorgain

  Thats called the ——–”Double Dip Tea Bag”——–!

  Get Money from the Government and Money to Fight the Government!

• Anonymous

  High schools already have AP classes that award college credit to all universities. The better students area already taking lots of these classes and some start the 1st year of college as sophomores.

  This doesn’t address the students the Gov is thinking of however….the under-motivated, for whatever reason, aren’t taking AP classes because they’re not good students.

  Increasing the community college system makes more sense to me. These kids need to be out of their homes and around college-bound students to have a prayer at succeeding in college.

  The problem with colleges these days is that they accept poor students in the 1st place, of course they need remedial work.

• SwiftyMorgain

  Hey! Maybe thats why the Republicans support Free Trade with China!

  They are like minded,   

  Copycats!

• SwiftyMorgain

  Trust him on this one, he knows where to get stuff for free.

  Especially on Halloween

• Anonymous

  Spending money on education in Maine is a waste of time. The children in Maine should be instructed in , ditch digging, use of a shovel 101 ,ect: .They are dumber than the rest of the states. Education is a waste of our hard earned money here in Maine. Where they are destined to be alcoholics or janitors at best.5years of high school,
   just one more year to  leach off their parents

• Anonymous

  By the time the R’s are done re-ordering things all that will be left to do is service jobs. I’m sure there will be plenty of low paying opportunities for folks to service corporations with jobs that will include changing their corporate Depends and wiping their corporate butts.

• Anonymous

  Really?  Only a misguided liberal would contest a educational opportunity as great as this one.  Who gives a rats *ss if it was implemented by a republican or a democrat.  That is what is ruining this country… a whole lot of whining about the other guys and not enough DOING.  So, keep up your political babble, hopefully in the meantime the children of Maine will get the education they deserve.  People like you (Dem or Repub) are destroying our nation.  UNITED States of America, not the Political Party Affiliation of America.  Good grief!  

• Anonymous

  Really?  Only a misguided liberal would contest a educational opportunity as great as this one.  Who gives a rats *ss if it was implemented by a republican or a democrat.  That is what is ruining this country… a whole lot of whining about the other guys and not enough DOING.  So, keep up your political babble, hopefully in the meantime the children of Maine will get the education they deserve.  People like you (Dem or Repub) are destroying our nation.  UNITED States of America, not the Political Party Affiliation of America.  Good grief!  

• Anonymous

  You obviously haven’t been paying attention.  The high schools have enough AP classes already – most are dropping home economics and vocational classes.  This is aimed at vocational training to try to keep kids in school and educate them in a vocational area so that they can get good productive jobs in the state.  As a state, we are not providing the skills needed for those students that have no intention of going on to a 4 year college.  We are also letting down those kids that are dropping out that may have stayed if they could finish with worthwhile skills and an associated degree of some sort to prove their skills.

  LePage is not trying to take credit for something that is already happening.  He is starting the process of looking into this possible improvement to our schools that will benefit students and our state.

• Anonymous

  “The traditional summer break is just another teachers union ploy to
  dumb down the middle class and keep them dependent on the government. ”

  Huh?  So the summer break (that worked for me, maybe you, and the gazillion other people out there, is now a ploy to dumb down the middle class and keep them dependent on the government?”

  If it keeps people dependent on the government, then how did anybody who ever went through school with a summer break ever make anything of themselves?

• Anonymous

  “The traditional summer break is just another teachers union ploy to
  dumb down the middle class and keep them dependent on the government. ”

  Huh?  So the summer break (that worked for me, maybe you, and the gazillion other people out there, is now a ploy to dumb down the middle class and keep them dependent on the government?”

  If it keeps people dependent on the government, then how did anybody who ever went through school with a summer break ever make anything of themselves?

• Anonymous

  So sad that everyone is so wrapped up in political warfare that we can overlook
  an opportunity to increase the education level in this state. I just moved here,
  and I can tell you that it is much needed when compared to education level of
  the people in the other states I have been. Time to stop acting like a bunch of
  children and put that energy into helping ours. Since when is making a valid
  effort to better the education of our youth the “Twilight Zone”? Do you all hear
  yourselves? We all should be ashamed of ourselves for acting in such a
  ridiculous manner.

• Anonymous

  Kids today don’t know how to use a slide rule or an abacus. It’s crazy.

• Anonymous

  Kids today don’t know how to use a slide rule or an abacus. It’s crazy.

• Anonymous

  Kids today don’t know how to use a slide rule or an abacus. It’s crazy.

• Anonymous

  Kids today don’t know how to use a slide rule or an abacus. It’s crazy.

• Anonymous

  Kids today don’t know how to use a slide rule or an abacus. It’s crazy.

• Anonymous

  Kids today don’t know how to use a slide rule or an abacus. It’s crazy.

• Anonymous

  Kids today don’t know how to use a slide rule or an abacus. It’s crazy.

• Anonymous

  Kids today don’t know how to use a slide rule or an abacus. It’s crazy.

• Anonymous

  Kids today don’t know how to use a slide rule or an abacus. It’s crazy.

• Anonymous

  Kids today don’t know how to use a slide rule or an abacus. It’s crazy.

• Anonymous

  Kids today don’t know how to use a slide rule or an abacus. It’s crazy.

• Anonymous

  Kids today don’t know how to use a slide rule or an abacus. It’s crazy.

• Anonymous

  Kids today don’t know how to use a slide rule or an abacus. It’s crazy.

• Anonymous

  Kids today don’t know how to use a slide rule or an abacus. It’s crazy.

• Anonymous

  Kids today don’t know how to use a slide rule or an abacus. It’s crazy.

• Anonymous

  Kids today don’t know how to use a slide rule or an abacus. It’s crazy.

• Anonymous

  Kids today don’t know how to use a slide rule or an abacus. It’s crazy.

• Anonymous

  Kids today don’t know how to use a slide rule or an abacus. It’s crazy.

• Anonymous

  Kids today don’t know how to use a slide rule or an abacus. It’s crazy.

• Anonymous

  Kids today don’t know how to use a slide rule or an abacus. It’s crazy.

• Anonymous

  Kids today don’t know how to use a slide rule or an abacus. It’s crazy.

• Anonymous

  Kids today don’t know how to use a slide rule or an abacus. It’s crazy.

• Anonymous

  I would agree if our students on graduation from High School were not so far behind the rest of the world in basic reading, math and science scores. The wheel is broken and has fallen off the bus in many areas of our country.

• Anonymous

  I agree that many parents are not “doing right” by their children. But why should the child pay for the sins of the parents?

• Anonymous

  I agree that many parents are not “doing right” by their children. But why should the child pay for the sins of the parents?

• Anonymous

  I agree that many parents are not “doing right” by their children. But why should the child pay for the sins of the parents?

• Anonymous

  They sure didn’t get help in the liberal union run public schools.  Governor LePage is going to trash the teachers union so the teachers better get ready to go to work for a living like the real hard working tax payers.  The only good teacher is a conservative teacher!

• Anonymous

  As a college graduate coming from a family that was not well off, I have a mountain of student loan debt.  If the ability to gain some college credits had been available to me in high school, I would have taken full advantage!  A college education is not cheap.  I was an honor student, graduated 7th in my class and participated in many extracurricular activities, but that did not translate to lots of grant or scholarship money for me so I look at this as a great opportunity for students in Maine.

• Anonymous

  That is just such an ignorant statement.  How incredibly rude to assume we just have a state filled with alcoholic, stupid people.  Maine is full of fascinating and intelligent people that have a lot to offer their communities and nation.  Maybe they need the right motivation, instead of people telling them they will never do anything other than dig a ditch!

• Anonymous

  That is just such an ignorant statement.  How incredibly rude to assume we just have a state filled with alcoholic, stupid people.  Maine is full of fascinating and intelligent people that have a lot to offer their communities and nation.  Maybe they need the right motivation, instead of people telling them they will never do anything other than dig a ditch!

• Anonymous

  That is just such an ignorant statement.  How incredibly rude to assume we just have a state filled with alcoholic, stupid people.  Maine is full of fascinating and intelligent people that have a lot to offer their communities and nation.  Maybe they need the right motivation, instead of people telling them they will never do anything other than dig a ditch!

• Anonymous

  Auntie – it’s called thinking.  I agree.  The thought process is just as important as the correct answer.  And, where has that gotten us?  Why, we blame everyone else because they didn’t do the thinking for us.

• SwiftyMorgain

     These Republican Politicians have a way of  putting the Twilight Zone  Mind Warp on us, with Spin and Diversions,

  It all boils down to calling an extra year of  High School a Two Year College Credit !

      So they have cut a year of Taxpayer funding out of the whole system as Taxpayers also fund the Community College System, they have reduced a year of the needed funding.

  http://www.mccs.me.edu/about/question6facts.html

  Oh ! And yes this is an Out Of State sponsored agenda, not the works of Lepages !

  http://www.pinetreepolitics.com/2010/09/20/lepage-education-reform-outline-part-1/

  LePage will base his proposal on North Carolina’s “Early College High Schools” program, which is actually part of a national effort by the same name.  ECHS allows high school students to take college courses through partnered colleges at campus or online.  LePage would similarly expand Maine’s college offerings to high school students.  The candidate has stated he would increase the number of college courses provided online and offer students the opportunity to take online classes over the summer.

• SwiftyMorgain

     These Republican Politicians have a way of  putting the Twilight Zone  Mind Warp on us, with Spin and Diversions,

  It all boils down to calling an extra year of  High School a Two Year College Credit !

      So they have cut a year of Taxpayer funding out of the whole system as Taxpayers also fund the Community College System, they have reduced a year of the needed funding.

  http://www.mccs.me.edu/about/question6facts.html

  Oh ! And yes this is an Out Of State sponsored agenda, not the works of Lepages !

  http://www.pinetreepolitics.com/2010/09/20/lepage-education-reform-outline-part-1/

  LePage will base his proposal on North Carolina’s “Early College High Schools” program, which is actually part of a national effort by the same name.  ECHS allows high school students to take college courses through partnered colleges at campus or online.  LePage would similarly expand Maine’s college offerings to high school students.  The candidate has stated he would increase the number of college courses provided online and offer students the opportunity to take online classes over the summer.

• SwiftyMorgain

     These Republican Politicians have a way of  putting the Twilight Zone  Mind Warp on us, with Spin and Diversions,

  It all boils down to calling an extra year of  High School a Two Year College Credit !

      So they have cut a year of Taxpayer funding out of the whole system as Taxpayers also fund the Community College System, they have reduced a year of the needed funding.

  http://www.mccs.me.edu/about/question6facts.html

  Oh ! And yes this is an Out Of State sponsored agenda, not the works of Lepages !

  http://www.pinetreepolitics.com/2010/09/20/lepage-education-reform-outline-part-1/

  LePage will base his proposal on North Carolina’s “Early College High Schools” program, which is actually part of a national effort by the same name.  ECHS allows high school students to take college courses through partnered colleges at campus or online.  LePage would similarly expand Maine’s college offerings to high school students.  The candidate has stated he would increase the number of college courses provided online and offer students the opportunity to take online classes over the summer.

• SwiftyMorgain

     These Republican Politicians have a way of  putting the Twilight Zone  Mind Warp on us, with Spin and Diversions,

  It all boils down to calling an extra year of  High School a Two Year College Credit !

      So they have cut a year of Taxpayer funding out of the whole system as Taxpayers also fund the Community College System, they have reduced a year of the needed funding.

  http://www.mccs.me.edu/about/question6facts.html

  Oh ! And yes this is an Out Of State sponsored agenda, not the works of Lepages !

  http://www.pinetreepolitics.com/2010/09/20/lepage-education-reform-outline-part-1/

  LePage will base his proposal on North Carolina’s “Early College High Schools” program, which is actually part of a national effort by the same name.  ECHS allows high school students to take college courses through partnered colleges at campus or online.  LePage would similarly expand Maine’s college offerings to high school students.  The candidate has stated he would increase the number of college courses provided online and offer students the opportunity to take online classes over the summer.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_QCC3ABRLTIU3EFA26HUIDQZTSM Chris

  Just asking… would these be part of the regular Maine Public School system administrated by the MPA and overseen etc.  by local school committees/boards. My guess is they would be free standing schools to which one would have to apply and be accepted to. Subsequently run privately. 

• Anonymous

  Good points:
  Now let’s discuss the qualifications required to become a politician.  What degrees/credentials are required to become Governor?  They seem to make make rules and laws that affect economy, government, community, workers and wages.  What education is required for Speaker of the House, Senate Majority leader, or any other legislators?  We have a plethora of booger eating morons making decisions that affect our state’s present and future that don’t have any college education or credential at all.  They also exempt themselves from salary freezes, carry “cadillac” insurance plans, and place themselves in positions of favor.  Why doesn’t this rile the populous?

  Cheers~~

• SwiftyMorgain

    Actually he is taking  (OUT) a year of the “Total” Education by calling an extra year of high school two years of college! 
   
  We fund community colleges also so looking at the aggregate costs.

  But!

  Cramming doesn’t neccesarily equate with Quality!

• SwiftyMorgain

    Actually he is taking  (OUT) a year of the “Total” Education by calling an extra year of high school two years of college! 
   
  We fund community colleges also so looking at the aggregate costs.

  But!

  Cramming doesn’t neccesarily equate with Quality!

• SwiftyMorgain

    Actually he is taking  (OUT) a year of the “Total” Education by calling an extra year of high school two years of college! 
   
  We fund community colleges also so looking at the aggregate costs.

  But!

  Cramming doesn’t neccesarily equate with Quality!

• SwiftyMorgain

    Actually he is taking  (OUT) a year of the “Total” Education by calling an extra year of high school two years of college! 
   
  We fund community colleges also so looking at the aggregate costs.

  But!

  Cramming doesn’t neccesarily equate with Quality!

• SwiftyMorgain

    Actually he is taking  (OUT) a year of the “Total” Education by calling an extra year of high school two years of college! 
   
  We fund community colleges also so looking at the aggregate costs.

  But!

  Cramming doesn’t neccesarily equate with Quality!

• SwiftyMorgain

    Actually he is taking  (OUT) a year of the “Total” Education by calling an extra year of high school two years of college! 
   
  We fund community colleges also so looking at the aggregate costs.

  But!

  Cramming doesn’t neccesarily equate with Quality!

• SwiftyMorgain

    Actually he is taking  (OUT) a year of the “Total” Education by calling an extra year of high school two years of college! 
   
  We fund community colleges also so looking at the aggregate costs.

  But!

  Cramming doesn’t neccesarily equate with Quality!

• SwiftyMorgain

    Actually he is taking  (OUT) a year of the “Total” Education by calling an extra year of high school two years of college! 
   
  We fund community colleges also so looking at the aggregate costs.

  But!

  Cramming doesn’t neccesarily equate with Quality!

• SwiftyMorgain

    Actually he is taking  (OUT) a year of the “Total” Education by calling an extra year of high school two years of college! 
   
  We fund community colleges also so looking at the aggregate costs.

  But!

  Cramming doesn’t neccesarily equate with Quality!

• http://www.facebook.com/antonio.giarratano Antonio Giarratano

  You are by far, 1 of the most ignorant people I have seen commenting here. Your comments are far fetched, under thought, and being twisted to suit your ill-equipped agenda. Where do you come up with this crap? I’m guessing you know what it is like being a teacher? I would guess since you have made a pretty petty argument and you need proof to back up your flawed comments. Where are the numbers? What do conservatives and Liberals have to do with teachers and education.  Do you take vacations from work? Do you take “Sick-Days”? Heaven forbid these people have to teach and “baby-sit” your children 9 months of the year, why don’t they deserve a break just like anyone else. Fishermen are the same way, when there not in season, not all of them have to work, and nine-out-ten times, they earned the break they get between seasons. If you don’t like the “traditional” education system, then move to Japan.

• http://twitter.com/Anidex Catherine Roberts

  Actually, I can think of plenty of classmates from when I was going to school who had terrible handwriting, and we didn’t use laptops or computers at all to write.

• http://twitter.com/Anidex Catherine Roberts

  I’m pretty sure kids aren’t dropping out of high school because they feel like they aren’t learning….

• Anonymous

  The year my daughter graduated from high school (2005) Bangor High School had a higher percentage of college bound students than John Bapst.

  The media only reports the “bad” side of society not the “good”. Good doesn’t sell newspapers, gain listeners to the radio news or viewers of TV news programs.

• Anonymous

  The year my daughter graduated from high school (2005) Bangor High School had a higher percentage of college bound students than John Bapst.

  The media only reports the “bad” side of society not the “good”. Good doesn’t sell newspapers, gain listeners to the radio news or viewers of TV news programs.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_QCC3ABRLTIU3EFA26HUIDQZTSM Chris

  Good point…I remember when many private high schools had track systems based on an entrance exam and your middle school/grammar school academic  records. The   first year/Freshmen lower track was somewhat of a remedial situation which allowed some to get up to speed and be academically subsequently college bound(also led to transfers to the local public hs). I do not however remember any remedial  academic offerings in college. I graduated from HC (Worcester,MA) in 1973 and that was a very intense/ competitive academic environment without recourse to remedial courses.(the term” flunk out” hung over your head) I’m sure that academics are quite different in state colleges and universities…but a serious student can get a degree and follow the career that comes with it. 

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_QCC3ABRLTIU3EFA26HUIDQZTSM Chris

  Good point…I remember when many private high schools had track systems based on an entrance exam and your middle school/grammar school academic  records. The   first year/Freshmen lower track was somewhat of a remedial situation which allowed some to get up to speed and be academically subsequently college bound(also led to transfers to the local public hs). I do not however remember any remedial  academic offerings in college. I graduated from HC (Worcester,MA) in 1973 and that was a very intense/ competitive academic environment without recourse to remedial courses.(the term” flunk out” hung over your head) I’m sure that academics are quite different in state colleges and universities…but a serious student can get a degree and follow the career that comes with it. 

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_QCC3ABRLTIU3EFA26HUIDQZTSM Chris

  Good point…I remember when many private high schools had track systems based on an entrance exam and your middle school/grammar school academic  records. The   first year/Freshmen lower track was somewhat of a remedial situation which allowed some to get up to speed and be academically subsequently college bound(also led to transfers to the local public hs). I do not however remember any remedial  academic offerings in college. I graduated from HC (Worcester,MA) in 1973 and that was a very intense/ competitive academic environment without recourse to remedial courses.(the term” flunk out” hung over your head) I’m sure that academics are quite different in state colleges and universities…but a serious student can get a degree and follow the career that comes with it. 

• Anonymous

  The voice of an ignorant, feckless schmuck……..

• Anonymous

  The voice of an ignorant, feckless schmuck……..

• Anonymous

  Better yet, move the Japan system here and we won’t have the dumbest kids in the country, thanks all to the libs.
  Get a grip, the teachers have not worked for the past 40 years of democratic rule, their time for wasting the taxpayers money has come to an end under this great governor.

• Anonymous

  Better yet, move the Japan system here and we won’t have the dumbest kids in the country, thanks all to the libs.
  Get a grip, the teachers have not worked for the past 40 years of democratic rule, their time for wasting the taxpayers money has come to an end under this great governor.

• Anonymous

  Better yet, move the Japan system here and we won’t have the dumbest kids in the country, thanks all to the libs.
  Get a grip, the teachers have not worked for the past 40 years of democratic rule, their time for wasting the taxpayers money has come to an end under this great governor.

• Anonymous

  Better yet, move the Japan system here and we won’t have the dumbest kids in the country, thanks all to the libs.
  Get a grip, the teachers have not worked for the past 40 years of democratic rule, their time for wasting the taxpayers money has come to an end under this great governor.

• Anonymous

  Better yet, move the Japan system here and we won’t have the dumbest kids in the country, thanks all to the libs.
  Get a grip, the teachers have not worked for the past 40 years of democratic rule, their time for wasting the taxpayers money has come to an end under this great governor.

• Anonymous

  Better yet, move the Japan system here and we won’t have the dumbest kids in the country, thanks all to the libs.
  Get a grip, the teachers have not worked for the past 40 years of democratic rule, their time for wasting the taxpayers money has come to an end under this great governor.

• Anonymous

  We know it doesn’t take much apparently to become president either.

• Anonymous

  Well that is the magic question. How much does the rest of the taxpayers take on because of bad/irresponsible parenting? That is just a question, not saying I know the answer. I do think things are sometimes too easy for some of the adults out there who do whatever they want with no regard for their children, society, taxpayers, etc.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_VI5WTVDOQEX4M6UAEVBC7GROOQ Kelly

  How can someone say education is a waste of our “hard earned money?”  You sound like you’re the one digging ditches…

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_VI5WTVDOQEX4M6UAEVBC7GROOQ Kelly

  How can someone say education is a waste of our “hard earned money?”  You sound like you’re the one digging ditches…

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_VI5WTVDOQEX4M6UAEVBC7GROOQ Kelly

  How can someone say education is a waste of our “hard earned money?”  You sound like you’re the one digging ditches…

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_VI5WTVDOQEX4M6UAEVBC7GROOQ Kelly

  How can someone say education is a waste of our “hard earned money?”  You sound like you’re the one digging ditches…

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_VI5WTVDOQEX4M6UAEVBC7GROOQ Kelly

  How can someone say education is a waste of our “hard earned money?”  You sound like you’re the one digging ditches…

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_QCC3ABRLTIU3EFA26HUIDQZTSM Chris

  Lynne… it’s called” progress” . When I use my credit card for less than $25, I don’t have to sign my name…what is that about?

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_QCC3ABRLTIU3EFA26HUIDQZTSM Chris

  Lynne… it’s called” progress” . When I use my credit card for less than $25, I don’t have to sign my name…what is that about?

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_QCC3ABRLTIU3EFA26HUIDQZTSM Chris

  Lynne… it’s called” progress” . When I use my credit card for less than $25, I don’t have to sign my name…what is that about?

• Anonymous

  HC 75 agrees with you!

• Anonymous

  HC 75 agrees with you!

• Anonymous

  HC 75 agrees with you!

• Anonymous

  HC 75 agrees with you!

• Anonymous

  HC 75 agrees with you!

• Anonymous

  HC 75 agrees with you!

• Anonymous

  HC 75 agrees with you!

• Anonymous

  HC 75 agrees with you!

• Anonymous

  HC 75 agrees with you!

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_QCC3ABRLTIU3EFA26HUIDQZTSM Chris

  Catherine, I was a student at St.Mary’s grammar school in Taunton,Mass. We actually had ink pens (with refillable cartridges) and ink wells. We had a penmanship course and had to use these for several classes. I would guarantee you that everyone in a class of 40-45 girls and boys learned how to use a writing utensil and write cursively. LOL..can you imagine the amount of bleach that was used to clean our school clothes. FYI I was a graduate from the 8th grade in 1963.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_QCC3ABRLTIU3EFA26HUIDQZTSM Chris

  Catherine, I was a student at St.Mary’s grammar school in Taunton,Mass. We actually had ink pens (with refillable cartridges) and ink wells. We had a penmanship course and had to use these for several classes. I would guarantee you that everyone in a class of 40-45 girls and boys learned how to use a writing utensil and write cursively. LOL..can you imagine the amount of bleach that was used to clean our school clothes. FYI I was a graduate from the 8th grade in 1963.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_QCC3ABRLTIU3EFA26HUIDQZTSM Chris

  Catherine, I was a student at St.Mary’s grammar school in Taunton,Mass. We actually had ink pens (with refillable cartridges) and ink wells. We had a penmanship course and had to use these for several classes. I would guarantee you that everyone in a class of 40-45 girls and boys learned how to use a writing utensil and write cursively. LOL..can you imagine the amount of bleach that was used to clean our school clothes. FYI I was a graduate from the 8th grade in 1963.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_QCC3ABRLTIU3EFA26HUIDQZTSM Chris

  Catherine, I was a student at St.Mary’s grammar school in Taunton,Mass. We actually had ink pens (with refillable cartridges) and ink wells. We had a penmanship course and had to use these for several classes. I would guarantee you that everyone in a class of 40-45 girls and boys learned how to use a writing utensil and write cursively. LOL..can you imagine the amount of bleach that was used to clean our school clothes. FYI I was a graduate from the 8th grade in 1963.

• Anonymous

  In many cases colleges and universities are offering a “pre-semester” 3-4 week intensive math and/or reading program to prepare the student that is “behind” their contemporaries in those subject areas. They shouldn’t have to do this but it is a sign of the times and the “promotion” above everything mentality that has become the standard in the public school system.

  Oh and to clarify for some posters, it is not the teacher that is always the issue. It is often the reluctance of school administration, parents and a reliance on federal “standards” that’s the driving force behind “promotion” above everything mentality.

• Anonymous

  In many cases colleges and universities are offering a “pre-semester” 3-4 week intensive math and/or reading program to prepare the student that is “behind” their contemporaries in those subject areas. They shouldn’t have to do this but it is a sign of the times and the “promotion” above everything mentality that has become the standard in the public school system.

  Oh and to clarify for some posters, it is not the teacher that is always the issue. It is often the reluctance of school administration, parents and a reliance on federal “standards” that’s the driving force behind “promotion” above everything mentality.

• Anonymous

  We can’t afford it.

• Anonymous

  what are maine vocational regions aimed at?  they have excellent resources for vocational students.  

• Anonymous

  Sen. Justin Alfond, D-Portland, a member of the Education Committee. “I don’t believe this will have the game-changing effect that we need here in Maine for education.”Alfond said the state cannot afford a new and costly program when it is underfunding education. He said the state needs to adequately fund schools now so that they can prepare students for post-secondary education and said to meet the statutory goal of the state paying for 55 percent of the cost local schools would cost another $400 million.”

  LePage’s education commissioner, Steven Bowen : 
  “There is no money, that is not going to happen,” he said …

  http://bangordailynews.com/2011/07/26/politics/gov-lepage-takes-steps-toward-5-year-high-schools/

  It is just smoke and mirrors.
  But some anti-science, anti democracy, anti-reality pro-BS, no compromise political hacks are easly fooled by Corporatists political bukuki theather.  

  So Govenah, is any real new business to discuss, yet ?

• Anonymous

  Sen. Justin Alfond, D-Portland, a member of the Education Committee. “I don’t believe this will have the game-changing effect that we need here in Maine for education.”Alfond said the state cannot afford a new and costly program when it is underfunding education. He said the state needs to adequately fund schools now so that they can prepare students for post-secondary education and said to meet the statutory goal of the state paying for 55 percent of the cost local schools would cost another $400 million.”

  LePage’s education commissioner, Steven Bowen : 
  “There is no money, that is not going to happen,” he said …

  http://bangordailynews.com/2011/07/26/politics/gov-lepage-takes-steps-toward-5-year-high-schools/

  It is just smoke and mirrors.
  But some anti-science, anti democracy, anti-reality pro-BS, no compromise political hacks are easly fooled by Corporatists political bukuki theather.  

  So Govenah, is any real new business to discuss, yet ?

• http://twitter.com/Phoebe6853 Phoebe Figalilly

  The Tea Party is a movement not a political party. Being identified as a political party comes from the media, both liberal and conservative, and people like you who revel in your slave mentality, in an effort to convolute the message that the Tea Party is successfully touting, that they’ve had enough of big government, that’s a message we should all subscribe to.

  Tea Party candidates are candidates that have the backing of the Tea Party much like Obama has the backing of the Unions, there are many different organizations that back different candidates.  The Tea Party is comprised of people from all races and all political affiliations, they are not destroying this country, they’re trying to restore it.

  The Tea Party is trying to get this government back to a constitutional government run by WE THE PEOPLE so why are they villianized?  Because both Democrats and Republicans are afraid of the power of the people, they know that WE THE PEOPLE have awakened and are taking our country back. 

  So what exactly is your objection to WE THE PEOPLE taking back control of our government? 

  What part of “Government OF THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE and BY THE PEOPLE” do you not understand? 

  As far as Michele Bachmann goes, she was arrogant in her attempt to appoint herself as leader of the Tea Party and was immediately shot down by them so your statements have no basis in fact.

  Now back to the subject at hand that has absolutely nothing to do with the Tea Party.

• http://twitter.com/Phoebe6853 Phoebe Figalilly

  The Tea Party is a movement not a political party. Being identified as a political party comes from the media, both liberal and conservative, and people like you who revel in your slave mentality, in an effort to convolute the message that the Tea Party is successfully touting, that they’ve had enough of big government, that’s a message we should all subscribe to.

  Tea Party candidates are candidates that have the backing of the Tea Party much like Obama has the backing of the Unions, there are many different organizations that back different candidates.  The Tea Party is comprised of people from all races and all political affiliations, they are not destroying this country, they’re trying to restore it.

  The Tea Party is trying to get this government back to a constitutional government run by WE THE PEOPLE so why are they villianized?  Because both Democrats and Republicans are afraid of the power of the people, they know that WE THE PEOPLE have awakened and are taking our country back. 

  So what exactly is your objection to WE THE PEOPLE taking back control of our government? 

  What part of “Government OF THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE and BY THE PEOPLE” do you not understand? 

  As far as Michele Bachmann goes, she was arrogant in her attempt to appoint herself as leader of the Tea Party and was immediately shot down by them so your statements have no basis in fact.

  Now back to the subject at hand that has absolutely nothing to do with the Tea Party.

• SwiftyMorgain

  So are Maine State Apprentiships!

• SwiftyMorgain

  So are Maine State Apprentiships!

• Anonymous

  I too pay property tax in Maine. My children and grandchildren are all out of school. I don’t begrudge one red cent of my tax dollars going toward education. I do however resent paying to feed children that have parents who have already collected food stamps to feed them 21 meals a week. Why would you consider it my or your own obligation to take care of the nourishment requirements of someone elses children to the tune of 31 meals a week? How did these children survive infancy and make it to school age without the school feeding them 2 meals a day? Or do you consider it your or my moral duty to follow these children around and monitor their daily intake?
  My parents didn’t have a lot, drove well used cars, took public transportation when available. They didn’t take expensive vacations or have a boat or other toys. Neither of them smoked. Their main focus was ensuring that my brother and I were well fed and clothed and lived in a warm house. We never went to school hungry or without a brown bag lunch as my parents felt it was their responsibility to supply us with food.

  When someone decides to have children, they need to be made aware that it is their responsibility to care for their children. There are entirely too many children who are growing up thinking that society owes them a living. They have been raised in generational parasites of society who know how to manipulate the system. The fruit of their unions is these children who have no sense of responsibility. By insisting on feeding, clothing, housing these people all in the name of protecting the children from hunger, you are enabling. Just as bad as buying an alcoholic his supply of booze.

• Anonymous

  I too pay property tax in Maine. My children and grandchildren are all out of school. I don’t begrudge one red cent of my tax dollars going toward education. I do however resent paying to feed children that have parents who have already collected food stamps to feed them 21 meals a week. Why would you consider it my or your own obligation to take care of the nourishment requirements of someone elses children to the tune of 31 meals a week? How did these children survive infancy and make it to school age without the school feeding them 2 meals a day? Or do you consider it your or my moral duty to follow these children around and monitor their daily intake?
  My parents didn’t have a lot, drove well used cars, took public transportation when available. They didn’t take expensive vacations or have a boat or other toys. Neither of them smoked. Their main focus was ensuring that my brother and I were well fed and clothed and lived in a warm house. We never went to school hungry or without a brown bag lunch as my parents felt it was their responsibility to supply us with food.

  When someone decides to have children, they need to be made aware that it is their responsibility to care for their children. There are entirely too many children who are growing up thinking that society owes them a living. They have been raised in generational parasites of society who know how to manipulate the system. The fruit of their unions is these children who have no sense of responsibility. By insisting on feeding, clothing, housing these people all in the name of protecting the children from hunger, you are enabling. Just as bad as buying an alcoholic his supply of booze.

• Anonymous

  I too pay property tax in Maine. My children and grandchildren are all out of school. I don’t begrudge one red cent of my tax dollars going toward education. I do however resent paying to feed children that have parents who have already collected food stamps to feed them 21 meals a week. Why would you consider it my or your own obligation to take care of the nourishment requirements of someone elses children to the tune of 31 meals a week? How did these children survive infancy and make it to school age without the school feeding them 2 meals a day? Or do you consider it your or my moral duty to follow these children around and monitor their daily intake?
  My parents didn’t have a lot, drove well used cars, took public transportation when available. They didn’t take expensive vacations or have a boat or other toys. Neither of them smoked. Their main focus was ensuring that my brother and I were well fed and clothed and lived in a warm house. We never went to school hungry or without a brown bag lunch as my parents felt it was their responsibility to supply us with food.

  When someone decides to have children, they need to be made aware that it is their responsibility to care for their children. There are entirely too many children who are growing up thinking that society owes them a living. They have been raised in generational parasites of society who know how to manipulate the system. The fruit of their unions is these children who have no sense of responsibility. By insisting on feeding, clothing, housing these people all in the name of protecting the children from hunger, you are enabling. Just as bad as buying an alcoholic his supply of booze.

• Anonymous

  I too pay property tax in Maine. My children and grandchildren are all out of school. I don’t begrudge one red cent of my tax dollars going toward education. I do however resent paying to feed children that have parents who have already collected food stamps to feed them 21 meals a week. Why would you consider it my or your own obligation to take care of the nourishment requirements of someone elses children to the tune of 31 meals a week? How did these children survive infancy and make it to school age without the school feeding them 2 meals a day? Or do you consider it your or my moral duty to follow these children around and monitor their daily intake?
  My parents didn’t have a lot, drove well used cars, took public transportation when available. They didn’t take expensive vacations or have a boat or other toys. Neither of them smoked. Their main focus was ensuring that my brother and I were well fed and clothed and lived in a warm house. We never went to school hungry or without a brown bag lunch as my parents felt it was their responsibility to supply us with food.

  When someone decides to have children, they need to be made aware that it is their responsibility to care for their children. There are entirely too many children who are growing up thinking that society owes them a living. They have been raised in generational parasites of society who know how to manipulate the system. The fruit of their unions is these children who have no sense of responsibility. By insisting on feeding, clothing, housing these people all in the name of protecting the children from hunger, you are enabling. Just as bad as buying an alcoholic his supply of booze.

• Anonymous

  I too pay property tax in Maine. My children and grandchildren are all out of school. I don’t begrudge one red cent of my tax dollars going toward education. I do however resent paying to feed children that have parents who have already collected food stamps to feed them 21 meals a week. Why would you consider it my or your own obligation to take care of the nourishment requirements of someone elses children to the tune of 31 meals a week? How did these children survive infancy and make it to school age without the school feeding them 2 meals a day? Or do you consider it your or my moral duty to follow these children around and monitor their daily intake?
  My parents didn’t have a lot, drove well used cars, took public transportation when available. They didn’t take expensive vacations or have a boat or other toys. Neither of them smoked. Their main focus was ensuring that my brother and I were well fed and clothed and lived in a warm house. We never went to school hungry or without a brown bag lunch as my parents felt it was their responsibility to supply us with food.

  When someone decides to have children, they need to be made aware that it is their responsibility to care for their children. There are entirely too many children who are growing up thinking that society owes them a living. They have been raised in generational parasites of society who know how to manipulate the system. The fruit of their unions is these children who have no sense of responsibility. By insisting on feeding, clothing, housing these people all in the name of protecting the children from hunger, you are enabling. Just as bad as buying an alcoholic his supply of booze.

• Anonymous

  This might be a good idea but we do not have the cash for it.

• Anonymous

  This might be a good idea but we do not have the cash for it.

• Anonymous

  Yes , but not exactly sure of your point.
  It is convenient sometimes, but I still think it is a good thing to be able to write a literate note, letter, essay, etc. ……and not just on the computer or texting,etc.!!!

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_QCC3ABRLTIU3EFA26HUIDQZTSM Chris

  I have learned to take you on your word…No doubt the local colleges(UMO,Husson,Beals,EMTC,UA@B) will have a large freshman enrollment. Just asking… do you have any info on attending “in state/out state” 

• Anonymous

  Ok , I re-read that….”Progress” in quotes.

  The other day someone posted as Chris and it sure did not sound like you and your views!

• Anonymous

  Ok , I re-read that….”Progress” in quotes.

  The other day someone posted as Chris and it sure did not sound like you and your views!

• Anonymous

  Ok , I re-read that….”Progress” in quotes.

  The other day someone posted as Chris and it sure did not sound like you and your views!

• Anonymous

  Ok , I re-read that….”Progress” in quotes.

  The other day someone posted as Chris and it sure did not sound like you and your views!

• Anonymous

  Ok , I re-read that….”Progress” in quotes.

  The other day someone posted as Chris and it sure did not sound like you and your views!

• Anonymous

  Ok , I re-read that….”Progress” in quotes.

  The other day someone posted as Chris and it sure did not sound like you and your views!

• Anonymous

  Ok , I re-read that….”Progress” in quotes.

  The other day someone posted as Chris and it sure did not sound like you and your views!

• Anonymous

  Ok , I re-read that….”Progress” in quotes.

  The other day someone posted as Chris and it sure did not sound like you and your views!

• http://twitter.com/umbrarchist umbrarchist

  Are they crazy?

  Why don’t they create a Recommended Reading List so kids that want to learn can start finding good books when they are still in grade school?  If they did that more high school graduates would be competent enough to blow away college graduates.

  Here is a suggestion for high school.

  The Tyranny of Words (1938) by Stuart Chase
   
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZgYc4cwUb8

  Politicians and economists might not like it.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_QCC3ABRLTIU3EFA26HUIDQZTSM Chris

  What particular areas in our country  are you talking about…specifics please(LOL)

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_QCC3ABRLTIU3EFA26HUIDQZTSM Chris

  What particular areas in our country  are you talking about…specifics please(LOL)

• Anonymous

  You already have that with No Child Left Behind and the amount of kids retained in lower grades.  Some kids are 21 before they graduate high school.

• Anonymous

  So why didn’t  you let just him do so, then , Mom ?

  “POST GRADUATE PROGRAM
  Every year several students request the opportunity to take a post-graduate program commonly
  known as P.G. These requests are usually honored. However, any student twenty years old or older must submit a letter to Guidance stating the reasons for the P.G. program and obtain the approval of  the Superintendent.http://www.bangorschools.net/assets/BHS_Prog_Studies_SY11.pdfThe Govenah’s new program, this new  State government, more big government reregulations, but with no additional funding for them… because that might mean a raising taxes BACK to the level we had when the Federal budget was balanced…  is nothing more than a more big government  panel of twenty political hacks, reinventing the wheel. It is just a pitbull putting lipstick on a pig, and calling what is already possible new bussiness. There is an new ignorant conservative born every minute, making it possible for junk peddlers to fool them.  

  known as P.G. These requests are usually honored. However, any student twenty years old or older must submit a letter to Guidance stating the reasons for the P.G. program and obtain the approval of  the Superintendent.

  http://www.bangorschools.net/assets/BHS_Prog_Studies_SY11.pdf

  The Govenah’s new program, this new  State government, more big government reregulations,
  but with no additional funding for them… because that might mean a raising taxes BACK to the level we had when the Federal budget was balanced…  is nothing more than a more big government  panel of twenty political hacks, reinventing the wheel.

  It is just a pitbull putting lipstick on a pig, and calling what is already possible new bussiness.

  There is an new ignorant conservative born every minute, making it possible for junk peddlers to fool them.  

• Anonymous

  I remember hearing someone speak one time and really wish I could remember who it was that suggested something along that line.  Why are we not producing experts?  Finding out what kids are interested in and have a natural knack for and making them an expert in that field.  I think it’s a great idea.  College is not for everyone but also having the opportunity to leave high school with an Associates Degree and be able to enter the work force immediately would be a great advantage as well.  Then kids could better pay their way through college while working.  Less student loans and debt and more experience for better paying jobs later.

• Anonymous

  I remember hearing someone speak one time and really wish I could remember who it was that suggested something along that line.  Why are we not producing experts?  Finding out what kids are interested in and have a natural knack for and making them an expert in that field.  I think it’s a great idea.  College is not for everyone but also having the opportunity to leave high school with an Associates Degree and be able to enter the work force immediately would be a great advantage as well.  Then kids could better pay their way through college while working.  Less student loans and debt and more experience for better paying jobs later.

• Anonymous

  I remember hearing someone speak one time and really wish I could remember who it was that suggested something along that line.  Why are we not producing experts?  Finding out what kids are interested in and have a natural knack for and making them an expert in that field.  I think it’s a great idea.  College is not for everyone but also having the opportunity to leave high school with an Associates Degree and be able to enter the work force immediately would be a great advantage as well.  Then kids could better pay their way through college while working.  Less student loans and debt and more experience for better paying jobs later.

• Anonymous

  I remember hearing someone speak one time and really wish I could remember who it was that suggested something along that line.  Why are we not producing experts?  Finding out what kids are interested in and have a natural knack for and making them an expert in that field.  I think it’s a great idea.  College is not for everyone but also having the opportunity to leave high school with an Associates Degree and be able to enter the work force immediately would be a great advantage as well.  Then kids could better pay their way through college while working.  Less student loans and debt and more experience for better paying jobs later.

• Anonymous

  I remember hearing someone speak one time and really wish I could remember who it was that suggested something along that line.  Why are we not producing experts?  Finding out what kids are interested in and have a natural knack for and making them an expert in that field.  I think it’s a great idea.  College is not for everyone but also having the opportunity to leave high school with an Associates Degree and be able to enter the work force immediately would be a great advantage as well.  Then kids could better pay their way through college while working.  Less student loans and debt and more experience for better paying jobs later.

• Anonymous

  I remember hearing someone speak one time and really wish I could remember who it was that suggested something along that line.  Why are we not producing experts?  Finding out what kids are interested in and have a natural knack for and making them an expert in that field.  I think it’s a great idea.  College is not for everyone but also having the opportunity to leave high school with an Associates Degree and be able to enter the work force immediately would be a great advantage as well.  Then kids could better pay their way through college while working.  Less student loans and debt and more experience for better paying jobs later.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_QCC3ABRLTIU3EFA26HUIDQZTSM Chris

  The US system of education has had a  ”delayed socializing” system built into it pretty much forever.  Aptitude and IQ often equate, but not always. Reading skills (even on your computer) often determine a child’s and young adult’s ability to make progress. Make sure that kids know how to read early on…some of them might have other problems… Damn, hook on to the kids who have trouble reading and get them as good as they can be.  

• Anonymous

  “Really? Only a misguided liberal would contest a educational opportunity as great as this one.”

  Conservatives don’t know what already exists, so are willing the buy old junk from crooked junk peddlers as being brand new, as if it were new business.

  So isn’t more than equally fair to suggest that conservatives are not in touch with reality,
  Phlim_Phlam ?

  See:   “”POST GRADUATE PROGRAM” http://www.bangorschools.net/a…
  posted above.

• Anonymous

  “Really? Only a misguided liberal would contest a educational opportunity as great as this one.”

  Conservatives don’t know what already exists, so are willing the buy old junk from crooked junk peddlers as being brand new, as if it were new business.

  So isn’t more than equally fair to suggest that conservatives are not in touch with reality,
  Phlim_Phlam ?

  See:   “”POST GRADUATE PROGRAM” http://www.bangorschools.net/a…
  posted above.

• Anonymous

  “Really? Only a misguided liberal would contest a educational opportunity as great as this one.”

  Conservatives don’t know what already exists, so are willing the buy old junk from crooked junk peddlers as being brand new, as if it were new business.

  So isn’t more than equally fair to suggest that conservatives are not in touch with reality,
  Phlim_Phlam ?

  See:   “”POST GRADUATE PROGRAM” http://www.bangorschools.net/a…
  posted above.

• Anonymous

  “Really? Only a misguided liberal would contest a educational opportunity as great as this one.”

  Conservatives don’t know what already exists, so are willing the buy old junk from crooked junk peddlers as being brand new, as if it were new business.

  So isn’t more than equally fair to suggest that conservatives are not in touch with reality,
  Phlim_Phlam ?

  See:   “”POST GRADUATE PROGRAM” http://www.bangorschools.net/a…
  posted above.

• Anonymous

  “Really? Only a misguided liberal would contest a educational opportunity as great as this one.”

  Conservatives don’t know what already exists, so are willing the buy old junk from crooked junk peddlers as being brand new, as if it were new business.

  So isn’t more than equally fair to suggest that conservatives are not in touch with reality,
  Phlim_Phlam ?

  See:   “”POST GRADUATE PROGRAM” http://www.bangorschools.net/a…
  posted above.

• Anonymous

  “Really? Only a misguided liberal would contest a educational opportunity as great as this one.”

  Conservatives don’t know what already exists, so are willing the buy old junk from crooked junk peddlers as being brand new, as if it were new business.

  So isn’t more than equally fair to suggest that conservatives are not in touch with reality,
  Phlim_Phlam ?

  See:   “”POST GRADUATE PROGRAM” http://www.bangorschools.net/a…
  posted above.

• Anonymous

  If kids are too stupid to graduate high school in four years, then they should pay for any additional year they are at school.

• Anonymous

  If kids are too stupid to graduate high school in four years, then they should pay for any additional year they are at school.

• Anonymous

  If kids are too stupid to graduate high school in four years, then they should pay for any additional year they are at school.

• Anonymous

  If kids are too stupid to graduate high school in four years, then they should pay for any additional year they are at school.

• Anonymous

  The Maine economy can get a boost and we can draw more business to this state if we have a more skilled workforce.  As some have mentioned, Advanced Placement programs already exist in many high schools, but this initiative would address another sector of students — especially those likely to attend technical schools.   Too many Maine students start but do not finish college or technical school — partly due to the cost, partly due to the requirement to take needed remedial courses.  This initiative could help in both respects.

  My only concern is Bowen’s statement, ““There is no money, that is not going to happen.”   Hard to see how this initiative will go very far unless there is money to support it.  Can local communities foot the bill of keeping students in school for a 5th year?  As others have commented, local communities are already struggling and the state is already failing to meet its commitment to fund 55% of the cost of education.

• Anonymous

  The Maine economy can get a boost and we can draw more business to this state if we have a more skilled workforce.  As some have mentioned, Advanced Placement programs already exist in many high schools, but this initiative would address another sector of students — especially those likely to attend technical schools.   Too many Maine students start but do not finish college or technical school — partly due to the cost, partly due to the requirement to take needed remedial courses.  This initiative could help in both respects.

  My only concern is Bowen’s statement, ““There is no money, that is not going to happen.”   Hard to see how this initiative will go very far unless there is money to support it.  Can local communities foot the bill of keeping students in school for a 5th year?  As others have commented, local communities are already struggling and the state is already failing to meet its commitment to fund 55% of the cost of education.

• Anonymous

  The Maine economy can get a boost and we can draw more business to this state if we have a more skilled workforce.  As some have mentioned, Advanced Placement programs already exist in many high schools, but this initiative would address another sector of students — especially those likely to attend technical schools.   Too many Maine students start but do not finish college or technical school — partly due to the cost, partly due to the requirement to take needed remedial courses.  This initiative could help in both respects.

  My only concern is Bowen’s statement, ““There is no money, that is not going to happen.”   Hard to see how this initiative will go very far unless there is money to support it.  Can local communities foot the bill of keeping students in school for a 5th year?  As others have commented, local communities are already struggling and the state is already failing to meet its commitment to fund 55% of the cost of education.

• Anonymous

  The Maine economy can get a boost and we can draw more business to this state if we have a more skilled workforce.  As some have mentioned, Advanced Placement programs already exist in many high schools, but this initiative would address another sector of students — especially those likely to attend technical schools.   Too many Maine students start but do not finish college or technical school — partly due to the cost, partly due to the requirement to take needed remedial courses.  This initiative could help in both respects.

  My only concern is Bowen’s statement, ““There is no money, that is not going to happen.”   Hard to see how this initiative will go very far unless there is money to support it.  Can local communities foot the bill of keeping students in school for a 5th year?  As others have commented, local communities are already struggling and the state is already failing to meet its commitment to fund 55% of the cost of education.

• Anonymous

  If kids are too stupid to graduate high school in four years, then they should pay for any additional year they are at school.

• Anonymous

  If kids are too stupid to graduate high school in four years, then they should pay for any additional year they are at school.

• Anonymous

  If kids are too stupid to graduate high school in four years, then they should pay for any additional year they are at school.

• Anonymous

  It sure will cost more. The large sums of money wasted on education is disgusting. For the most part our educational system is a joke. We turn out drug abusers and video game players who can barely speak and write english. For every positive story we read in the paper about a great student with a scholarship there are a thousand untold negative ones.

• Anonymous

  It sure will cost more. The large sums of money wasted on education is disgusting. For the most part our educational system is a joke. We turn out drug abusers and video game players who can barely speak and write english. For every positive story we read in the paper about a great student with a scholarship there are a thousand untold negative ones.

• Anonymous

  It sure will cost more. The large sums of money wasted on education is disgusting. For the most part our educational system is a joke. We turn out drug abusers and video game players who can barely speak and write english. For every positive story we read in the paper about a great student with a scholarship there are a thousand untold negative ones.

• Anonymous

  I wish I did have that information. I know BHS and JBMHS was within 2-3% points of each other. Low to mid 90% of graduating HS seniors were moving on to post secondary schools. I will say I was impressed with both figures and somewhat surprised the BHS beat out JBMHS.

• Anonymous

  I wish I did have that information. I know BHS and JBMHS was within 2-3% points of each other. Low to mid 90% of graduating HS seniors were moving on to post secondary schools. I will say I was impressed with both figures and somewhat surprised the BHS beat out JBMHS.

• Anonymous

  I wish I did have that information. I know BHS and JBMHS was within 2-3% points of each other. Low to mid 90% of graduating HS seniors were moving on to post secondary schools. I will say I was impressed with both figures and somewhat surprised the BHS beat out JBMHS.

• Anonymous

  I wish I did have that information. I know BHS and JBMHS was within 2-3% points of each other. Low to mid 90% of graduating HS seniors were moving on to post secondary schools. I will say I was impressed with both figures and somewhat surprised the BHS beat out JBMHS.

• Anonymous

  I wish I did have that information. I know BHS and JBMHS was within 2-3% points of each other. Low to mid 90% of graduating HS seniors were moving on to post secondary schools. I will say I was impressed with both figures and somewhat surprised the BHS beat out JBMHS.

• Anonymous

  I wish I did have that information. I know BHS and JBMHS was within 2-3% points of each other. Low to mid 90% of graduating HS seniors were moving on to post secondary schools. I will say I was impressed with both figures and somewhat surprised the BHS beat out JBMHS.

• Anonymous

  I wish I did have that information. I know BHS and JBMHS was within 2-3% points of each other. Low to mid 90% of graduating HS seniors were moving on to post secondary schools. I will say I was impressed with both figures and somewhat surprised the BHS beat out JBMHS.

• Anonymous

  I wish I did have that information. I know BHS and JBMHS was within 2-3% points of each other. Low to mid 90% of graduating HS seniors were moving on to post secondary schools. I will say I was impressed with both figures and somewhat surprised the BHS beat out JBMHS.

• Anonymous

  So did knowing how to use old reactionary technology help that keep you in the Church ?

  Yes, I’m sorry, S’ter.
  I know. It was a sin again the Holy Ghost, S’ter, and I’ll will go to confession ASAP.
  But pleeease, S’ter, pleeease, don’t send me Father’s office, ALONE, again.
  Pleeease, S’ter.  

• Anonymous

  So did knowing how to use old reactionary technology help that keep you in the Church ?

  Yes, I’m sorry, S’ter.
  I know. It was a sin again the Holy Ghost, S’ter, and I’ll will go to confession ASAP.
  But pleeease, S’ter, pleeease, don’t send me Father’s office, ALONE, again.
  Pleeease, S’ter.  

• Anonymous

  “When someone decides to have children, they need to be made aware that
  it is their responsibility to care for their children. There are
  entirely too many children who are growing up thinking that society owes
  them a living. They have been raised by generational parasites of
  society who know how to manipulate the system. The fruit of their unions
  is these children who have no sense of responsibility. By insisting on
  feeding, clothing, housing these people all in the name of protecting
  the children from hunger, you are enabling. Just as bad as buying an
  alcoholic his supply of booze.”

  So would you prefer they be hungry, unclothed and homeless?

  Is it the fault of the child?

  Based on your post it would seem that you feel the sins of the parents should be visited on the children too. Is

• Anonymous

  “When someone decides to have children, they need to be made aware that
  it is their responsibility to care for their children. There are
  entirely too many children who are growing up thinking that society owes
  them a living. They have been raised by generational parasites of
  society who know how to manipulate the system. The fruit of their unions
  is these children who have no sense of responsibility. By insisting on
  feeding, clothing, housing these people all in the name of protecting
  the children from hunger, you are enabling. Just as bad as buying an
  alcoholic his supply of booze.”

  So would you prefer they be hungry, unclothed and homeless?

  Is it the fault of the child?

  Based on your post it would seem that you feel the sins of the parents should be visited on the children too. Is

• Anonymous

  “When someone decides to have children, they need to be made aware that
  it is their responsibility to care for their children. There are
  entirely too many children who are growing up thinking that society owes
  them a living. They have been raised by generational parasites of
  society who know how to manipulate the system. The fruit of their unions
  is these children who have no sense of responsibility. By insisting on
  feeding, clothing, housing these people all in the name of protecting
  the children from hunger, you are enabling. Just as bad as buying an
  alcoholic his supply of booze.”

  So would you prefer they be hungry, unclothed and homeless?

  Is it the fault of the child?

  Based on your post it would seem that you feel the sins of the parents should be visited on the children too. Is

• Anonymous

  Fair enough question

  As we stand as a nation vs. the rest of the world –

  “Math, Science, Reading Scores Show U.S. Schools Slipping Behind”

  http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/us/july-dec10/education_12-10.html

  As we stand as a state vs. other states –

  “State Education Rankings: The Best And Worst For Math And Science”

  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/11/state-education-rankings-_n_894528.html

  Note on this “website” the story is based on a report by The Science and Engineering Readiness Index (SERI). Take it for what it is if you do not like the “source”

• Anonymous

  BS! I took a two year culinary/hospitality course through vocational school, and i cant even get a job at pizza hut.

• Anonymous

  AMEN to that! during high school, the lessons were progressing so fast that i couldnt keep up. i finally just gave up trying to understand the more and more complex subject matter and more or less “shut down”. i graduated, with a 73 average. Even having gone to vocational school for culinary/hospitality and doing well there, i still cant even get a job at pizza hut.

• 525_44

  You get what you put into it. There is nothing that says you’re guaranteed employment for going to tech. You are however given the tools to help you find a job and or higher education in a chosen field of interest.

  You get what you give.

• 525_44

  You get what you put into it. There is nothing that says you’re guaranteed employment for going to tech. You are however given the tools to help you find a job and or higher education in a chosen field of interest.

  You get what you give.

• 525_44

  You get what you put into it. There is nothing that says you’re guaranteed employment for going to tech. You are however given the tools to help you find a job and or higher education in a chosen field of interest.

  You get what you give.

• 525_44

  You get what you put into it. There is nothing that says you’re guaranteed employment for going to tech. You are however given the tools to help you find a job and or higher education in a chosen field of interest.

  You get what you give.

• 525_44

  You get what you put into it. There is nothing that says you’re guaranteed employment for going to tech. You are however given the tools to help you find a job and or higher education in a chosen field of interest.

  You get what you give.

• Anonymous

  Hang in there, at least you are trying. That in and of itself speaks volumes. Take any kind of job you can get while you continue to look for a better job. No matter what job you take, do the absolute best you can. If you wash dishes, be the best dish washer your employer has ever seen. Your work ethic will follow you, no matter where you go. I always had the attitude that I wasn’t working for someone else, I worked for myself. I leased myself out to others for the most money I could get and I always gave them 100% of what I had to offer.

• Anonymous

  Yep, that’s me. A cruel heartless jerk who would rather see children run naked in the streets in the land of plenty. You on the other hand would rather see the children grow up with no sense of responsibility on their part. Their children will return with their hands out demanding to be fed and clothed by you too. As you sow, so shall ye reap.

• Anonymous

  Yep, that’s me. A cruel heartless jerk who would rather see children run naked in the streets in the land of plenty. You on the other hand would rather see the children grow up with no sense of responsibility on their part. Their children will return with their hands out demanding to be fed and clothed by you too. As you sow, so shall ye reap.

• Anonymous

  thank you.  I do have a job, just one i never would thought i might be doing based on my skill set. I was just illustrating the fact that regardless of how intelligent someone is, if it cannot be measured the way schools measure intelligence, it might as well be non-existent. I could not get into college based on my high school grades, nor was i willing to pay money i dont have to take “remedial” courses that actually progress faster than standard high school courses. How exactly would calculus make me a better chef anyway?

  im a firm supporter of “branched schooling”, offering a test at the end of middle school to determine whether a student will progress using books or tools. I was a hands on learner, that did not fit the school’s mold, therefore, i was more or less “written off”. Even though i did remarkably well in the vocational part of my schooling, it could not offset the poor grades in my other classes, therefore locking me out of further opportunities.

  Its depressing when EMCC (then EMTC) sends you a rejection letter.

• Anonymous

  Families turn out drug abusers and video game players…not schools.  Parents use video games as the great babysitter or “Johnny is tired because he plays XBox until 4am” yet the parents won’t do anything.  I work in education but do not think education needs MORE money.  We need to get back to basics, ditch the whole “self-esteem” model of K-8 where all the kids feel good, but they don’t necessarily learn all that they should.  Of course parents would scream that their kid isn’t having tons of fun at school or their child didn’t get a certificate for coming in 5th place in a 5 person race.

• Anonymous

  Families turn out drug abusers and video game players…not schools.  Parents use video games as the great babysitter or “Johnny is tired because he plays XBox until 4am” yet the parents won’t do anything.  I work in education but do not think education needs MORE money.  We need to get back to basics, ditch the whole “self-esteem” model of K-8 where all the kids feel good, but they don’t necessarily learn all that they should.  Of course parents would scream that their kid isn’t having tons of fun at school or their child didn’t get a certificate for coming in 5th place in a 5 person race.

• Anonymous

  Families turn out drug abusers and video game players…not schools.  Parents use video games as the great babysitter or “Johnny is tired because he plays XBox until 4am” yet the parents won’t do anything.  I work in education but do not think education needs MORE money.  We need to get back to basics, ditch the whole “self-esteem” model of K-8 where all the kids feel good, but they don’t necessarily learn all that they should.  Of course parents would scream that their kid isn’t having tons of fun at school or their child didn’t get a certificate for coming in 5th place in a 5 person race.

• Anonymous

  there are also those of us who cannot learn using the traditional methods, who genuinely want to learn, but get confused by the subject matter and become equally burned out. What good is calculus to somebody who wants to be a chef?

  I have no intention on spending 60 years on my parents couch smoking pot thank you very much.

• Anonymous

  there are also those of us who cannot learn using the traditional methods, who genuinely want to learn, but get confused by the subject matter and become equally burned out. What good is calculus to somebody who wants to be a chef?

  I have no intention on spending 60 years on my parents couch smoking pot thank you very much.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_DJHNJADSITO5PW2V6YT7I5IEPU W

  k-12 school should be privatized.  There will be more choice, competition, and value this way.  Public schools waste a lot of money and hurt the economy because of high property taxes.  Some people worry about the cost of private school, but with lower property taxes, there will be greater prosperity.  And innovative, budget private schools will emerge, as well.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_DJHNJADSITO5PW2V6YT7I5IEPU W

  k-12 school should be privatized.  There will be more choice, competition, and value this way.  Public schools waste a lot of money and hurt the economy because of high property taxes.  Some people worry about the cost of private school, but with lower property taxes, there will be greater prosperity.  And innovative, budget private schools will emerge, as well.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_DJHNJADSITO5PW2V6YT7I5IEPU W

  k-12 school should be privatized.  There will be more choice, competition, and value this way.  Public schools waste a lot of money and hurt the economy because of high property taxes.  Some people worry about the cost of private school, but with lower property taxes, there will be greater prosperity.  And innovative, budget private schools will emerge, as well.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_DJHNJADSITO5PW2V6YT7I5IEPU W

  k-12 school should be privatized.  There will be more choice, competition, and value this way.  Public schools waste a lot of money and hurt the economy because of high property taxes.  Some people worry about the cost of private school, but with lower property taxes, there will be greater prosperity.  And innovative, budget private schools will emerge, as well.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_DJHNJADSITO5PW2V6YT7I5IEPU W

  k-12 school should be privatized.  There will be more choice, competition, and value this way.  Public schools waste a lot of money and hurt the economy because of high property taxes.  Some people worry about the cost of private school, but with lower property taxes, there will be greater prosperity.  And innovative, budget private schools will emerge, as well.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_DJHNJADSITO5PW2V6YT7I5IEPU W

  k-12 school should be privatized.  There will be more choice, competition, and value this way.  Public schools waste a lot of money and hurt the economy because of high property taxes.  Some people worry about the cost of private school, but with lower property taxes, there will be greater prosperity.  And innovative, budget private schools will emerge, as well.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_DJHNJADSITO5PW2V6YT7I5IEPU W

  k-12 school should be privatized.  There will be more choice, competition, and value this way.  Public schools waste a lot of money and hurt the economy because of high property taxes.  Some people worry about the cost of private school, but with lower property taxes, there will be greater prosperity.  And innovative, budget private schools will emerge, as well.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_UEAM3EK7XY76TQCZWDURCFBMEY Danny

  I dont get it I guess. They keep cutting the schools budget and eliminate some of the programs and teachers, and combining schools and now want to add a 5th year.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_UEAM3EK7XY76TQCZWDURCFBMEY Danny

  I dont get it I guess. They keep cutting the schools budget and eliminate some of the programs and teachers, and combining schools and now want to add a 5th year.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_UEAM3EK7XY76TQCZWDURCFBMEY Danny

  I dont get it I guess. They keep cutting the schools budget and eliminate some of the programs and teachers, and combining schools and now want to add a 5th year.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_UEAM3EK7XY76TQCZWDURCFBMEY Danny

  I dont get it I guess. They keep cutting the schools budget and eliminate some of the programs and teachers, and combining schools and now want to add a 5th year.

• Anonymous

  dude- add up how many hours per year a teacher works – including teacher’s meetings after school, required open houses, etc and time spent correcting papers etc at home that can’t be done at school… then divide those hours by the average income and do you know what it equals???? 14.75/hour…..   Home depot workers earn 12/hour – and they are not responsible for 23 kids all day.  Even a babysitter – who sits and watches tv all day- would make more than 14.75/hour to “watch” that many kids….. One teacher must differentiate instruction for students with dyslexia, autism, hearing/speaking/sight impairments, learning disabled, and gifted and talented.  One teacher in one room – must change up instruction, homework, and grading procedures for children with diverse needs.  that same teacher must try to keep students’ attention, maintain discipline, and worst of all – deal with parents.  14.75/hour is a joke…..  not a wonder so many teachers are lazy.

  With that being said, there are a lot of crappy teachers out there who shouldn’t be “protected” by the union… the union should protect those who work hard. 

  Good teachers work very hard – conservative or liberal or otherwise….. I for one, am conservative to the core – but just getting conservative teachers isn’t the answer… how about just getting those who are zealous and passionate about education. 

  My guess is, you wouldn’t last a week in a class of 23 kids – even if you were just “babysitting”.  I have a pretty good idea that you would run away crying at how hard it is to balance it all. 

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_FUZCZRE3ELLG2BJSR32LNHHZDY Ralph

  Can’t meet the state’s obligation to fund education, and now this? What a liar! Paul LePage is a liar. I have seen so many lies in his short time in office that I am convinced that he has no honor.

• Anonymous

  I would like to see how they arrive at the percentages.  I am highly suspect of any public high school in a city the size of Bangor that had over 90% go to college.  Now maybe 90% SAID they were going to go when asked in the spring of their senior year, but what percentage actually attends in the fall could be quite a bit lower.  That could be said for any private school as well, but JB has a much different clientele than most public high schools as it is essentially only for students who are planning on attending 4 year colleges.

• Anonymous

  I would like to see how they arrive at the percentages.  I am highly suspect of any public high school in a city the size of Bangor that had over 90% go to college.  Now maybe 90% SAID they were going to go when asked in the spring of their senior year, but what percentage actually attends in the fall could be quite a bit lower.  That could be said for any private school as well, but JB has a much different clientele than most public high schools as it is essentially only for students who are planning on attending 4 year colleges.

• Anonymous

  I would like to see how they arrive at the percentages.  I am highly suspect of any public high school in a city the size of Bangor that had over 90% go to college.  Now maybe 90% SAID they were going to go when asked in the spring of their senior year, but what percentage actually attends in the fall could be quite a bit lower.  That could be said for any private school as well, but JB has a much different clientele than most public high schools as it is essentially only for students who are planning on attending 4 year colleges.

• Anonymous

  I would like to see how they arrive at the percentages.  I am highly suspect of any public high school in a city the size of Bangor that had over 90% go to college.  Now maybe 90% SAID they were going to go when asked in the spring of their senior year, but what percentage actually attends in the fall could be quite a bit lower.  That could be said for any private school as well, but JB has a much different clientele than most public high schools as it is essentially only for students who are planning on attending 4 year colleges.

• Anonymous

  I would like to see how they arrive at the percentages.  I am highly suspect of any public high school in a city the size of Bangor that had over 90% go to college.  Now maybe 90% SAID they were going to go when asked in the spring of their senior year, but what percentage actually attends in the fall could be quite a bit lower.  That could be said for any private school as well, but JB has a much different clientele than most public high schools as it is essentially only for students who are planning on attending 4 year colleges.

• Anonymous

  I would like to see how they arrive at the percentages.  I am highly suspect of any public high school in a city the size of Bangor that had over 90% go to college.  Now maybe 90% SAID they were going to go when asked in the spring of their senior year, but what percentage actually attends in the fall could be quite a bit lower.  That could be said for any private school as well, but JB has a much different clientele than most public high schools as it is essentially only for students who are planning on attending 4 year colleges.

• Anonymous

  Can we first get rid of parents who don’t fell bothered to parent and help their kids?

• Anonymous

  Can we first get rid of parents who don’t fell bothered to parent and help their kids?

• Anonymous

  Can we first get rid of parents who don’t fell bothered to parent and help their kids?

• Anonymous

  Can we first get rid of parents who don’t fell bothered to parent and help their kids?

• Anonymous

  Can we first get rid of parents who don’t fell bothered to parent and help their kids?

• Anonymous

  Can we first get rid of parents who don’t fell bothered to parent and help their kids?

• Anonymous

  Can we first get rid of parents who don’t fell bothered to parent and help their kids?

• Anonymous

  Can we first get rid of parents who don’t fell bothered to parent and help their kids?

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_FUZCZRE3ELLG2BJSR32LNHHZDY Ralph

  You believe that adding another year of high school is possible with the resources already being spent? Typical dittohead defense of the indefensible.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_FUZCZRE3ELLG2BJSR32LNHHZDY Ralph

  You believe that adding another year of high school is possible with the resources already being spent? Typical dittohead defense of the indefensible.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_FUZCZRE3ELLG2BJSR32LNHHZDY Ralph

  You believe that adding another year of high school is possible with the resources already being spent? Typical dittohead defense of the indefensible.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_FUZCZRE3ELLG2BJSR32LNHHZDY Ralph

  You believe that adding another year of high school is possible with the resources already being spent? Typical dittohead defense of the indefensible.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_FUZCZRE3ELLG2BJSR32LNHHZDY Ralph

  Horse malarchy!

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_FUZCZRE3ELLG2BJSR32LNHHZDY Ralph

  Horse malarchy!

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_FUZCZRE3ELLG2BJSR32LNHHZDY Ralph

  Horse malarchy!

• Anonymous

  Teachers are doing their job. The problem is we have way to many ‘behaviors’ in the classrooms.  You could spend the majority of the day dealing with those behaviors that parents ignore/encourage their childern to have. Parents need to step up and take a role in their childrens education. You can’t take the childs word that they dont have homework. How many people actaully communicate with the childs teacher? I am guessing not many unless you are hearing from the school.  If my children do not have homework they are made to read, practice math facts, etc. It starts at an early age encouraging your kids to do their best. Its not just the teachers job, its also a parents job.

• Anonymous

  I never said you were a “cruel heartless jerk” what I said was “it would seem that you feel the sins of the parents should be visited on the children too” and I stand by that comment.

  I would much rather see the parents step up to the plate and do what parents are supposed to do. But the reality is some do not and if they do not then some one needs to and that typically is you and I.

• Anonymous

  I never said you were a “cruel heartless jerk” what I said was “it would seem that you feel the sins of the parents should be visited on the children too” and I stand by that comment.

  I would much rather see the parents step up to the plate and do what parents are supposed to do. But the reality is some do not and if they do not then some one needs to and that typically is you and I.

• Anonymous

  I never said you were a “cruel heartless jerk” what I said was “it would seem that you feel the sins of the parents should be visited on the children too” and I stand by that comment.

  I would much rather see the parents step up to the plate and do what parents are supposed to do. But the reality is some do not and if they do not then some one needs to and that typically is you and I.

• Anonymous

  I never said you were a “cruel heartless jerk” what I said was “it would seem that you feel the sins of the parents should be visited on the children too” and I stand by that comment.

  I would much rather see the parents step up to the plate and do what parents are supposed to do. But the reality is some do not and if they do not then some one needs to and that typically is you and I.

• Anonymous

  I never said you were a “cruel heartless jerk” what I said was “it would seem that you feel the sins of the parents should be visited on the children too” and I stand by that comment.

  I would much rather see the parents step up to the plate and do what parents are supposed to do. But the reality is some do not and if they do not then some one needs to and that typically is you and I.

• Anonymous

  Well you can be as suspect as you wish to be. I know what I heard with my two ears on graduation day at the BA and that was BHS had a high percentage (90%+) of students accepted to a post secondary school . I also know that particular year JBMHS had a lower percentage of students accepted to a post secondary high school. That was one year and may have been one out of the ordinary for BHS to have such a high percentage.

• Anonymous

  Well you can be as suspect as you wish to be. I know what I heard with my two ears on graduation day at the BA and that was BHS had a high percentage (90%+) of students accepted to a post secondary school . I also know that particular year JBMHS had a lower percentage of students accepted to a post secondary high school. That was one year and may have been one out of the ordinary for BHS to have such a high percentage.

• Anonymous

  Well you can be as suspect as you wish to be. I know what I heard with my two ears on graduation day at the BA and that was BHS had a high percentage (90%+) of students accepted to a post secondary school . I also know that particular year JBMHS had a lower percentage of students accepted to a post secondary high school. That was one year and may have been one out of the ordinary for BHS to have such a high percentage.

• Anonymous

  Let’s not be fooled for a moment by this OK.  This has nothing to do with improving public school.  This is really about making money off of public school.  Once Penguin and his tea-drinking friends expand the number of  Charter schools , they’ll be able to increase their profit margin by extending high school to a five year session.  That will generate a profit increase of 25% for these corporations.  Charter schools are about taking public money and handing it over to private, for-profit corporations.  This is just more junk straight out of the national tea-party playbook.  Let’s not be duped by this.

• Anonymous

  Let’s not be fooled for a moment by this OK.  This has nothing to do with improving public school.  This is really about making money off of public school.  Once Penguin and his tea-drinking friends expand the number of  Charter schools , they’ll be able to increase their profit margin by extending high school to a five year session.  That will generate a profit increase of 25% for these corporations.  Charter schools are about taking public money and handing it over to private, for-profit corporations.  This is just more junk straight out of the national tea-party playbook.  Let’s not be duped by this.

• Anonymous

  I agree with you one hundred percent. We need to get back to basics and stop handing out laptops. The kids go and break these devices the first chance they get. Also, I saw story on the TV News that highchool students have a video directing class/teacher. These things are too expensive and provide little if any service to the child. Parents need to also start being parents and not friends or entertainment managers.  That is another great point you had. Fix these flaws Governor LePage  before adding a fifth year to highschool. Thanks for the great post tjones4 .

• Anonymous

  I agree with you one hundred percent. We need to get back to basics and stop handing out laptops. The kids go and break these devices the first chance they get. Also, I saw story on the TV News that highchool students have a video directing class/teacher. These things are too expensive and provide little if any service to the child. Parents need to also start being parents and not friends or entertainment managers.  That is another great point you had. Fix these flaws Governor LePage  before adding a fifth year to highschool. Thanks for the great post tjones4 .

• Anonymous

  Good idea in theory but  bad for the country.Just another year of progressive social  indoctrination  .If they went back to teaching reading,writing and arithmetic maybe.How about making them go to school year round.The union would never let the teachers work a  full year.

• Anonymous

  Good idea in theory but  bad for the country.Just another year of progressive social  indoctrination  .If they went back to teaching reading,writing and arithmetic maybe.How about making them go to school year round.The union would never let the teachers work a  full year.

• Anonymous

  Good idea in theory but  bad for the country.Just another year of progressive social  indoctrination  .If they went back to teaching reading,writing and arithmetic maybe.How about making them go to school year round.The union would never let the teachers work a  full year.

• Anonymous

  Good idea in theory but  bad for the country.Just another year of progressive social  indoctrination  .If they went back to teaching reading,writing and arithmetic maybe.How about making them go to school year round.The union would never let the teachers work a  full year.

• Anonymous

  Good idea in theory but  bad for the country.Just another year of progressive social  indoctrination  .If they went back to teaching reading,writing and arithmetic maybe.How about making them go to school year round.The union would never let the teachers work a  full year.

• http://twitter.com/Phoebe6853 Phoebe Figalilly

  It appears that an extra year of grade school would be more beneficial and that’s no “malarkey”.   

• Anonymous

  I laid that label on myself. I guess you could call my attitude to this situation as tough love. Those that are getting a free ride will never thank you or anyone else. They seem to feel that because they breathe air they are deserving of everything that society is willing to give them. I resent being an enabler of this life style.

  The parents of these children who shurk their responsibility should be brought to a court of law and charged with child endangerment if they send their children to school hungry or without a lunch. It has become endemic in this society that we are being taxed to support these leaches of society. I can and have been living with that, in that these people are already being given food stamps to feed their family. What I can’t seem to understand is why they are not being forced to feed their own children with the food stamps that I and other tax payers are paying for.

• Anonymous

  I laid that label on myself. I guess you could call my attitude to this situation as tough love. Those that are getting a free ride will never thank you or anyone else. They seem to feel that because they breathe air they are deserving of everything that society is willing to give them. I resent being an enabler of this life style.

  The parents of these children who shurk their responsibility should be brought to a court of law and charged with child endangerment if they send their children to school hungry or without a lunch. It has become endemic in this society that we are being taxed to support these leaches of society. I can and have been living with that, in that these people are already being given food stamps to feed their family. What I can’t seem to understand is why they are not being forced to feed their own children with the food stamps that I and other tax payers are paying for.

• Anonymous

  I laid that label on myself. I guess you could call my attitude to this situation as tough love. Those that are getting a free ride will never thank you or anyone else. They seem to feel that because they breathe air they are deserving of everything that society is willing to give them. I resent being an enabler of this life style.

  The parents of these children who shurk their responsibility should be brought to a court of law and charged with child endangerment if they send their children to school hungry or without a lunch. It has become endemic in this society that we are being taxed to support these leaches of society. I can and have been living with that, in that these people are already being given food stamps to feed their family. What I can’t seem to understand is why they are not being forced to feed their own children with the food stamps that I and other tax payers are paying for.

• Anonymous

  This has got to be one of the funniest posts on this topic today.

  We cannot seem to teach “reading,writing and arithmetic” to a level to keep us competitive  on the world stage but the school is some how able to indoctrinate them into “junior” progressive socialists.

  Do you even read what you write?

• Anonymous

  This has got to be one of the funniest posts on this topic today.

  We cannot seem to teach “reading,writing and arithmetic” to a level to keep us competitive  on the world stage but the school is some how able to indoctrinate them into “junior” progressive socialists.

  Do you even read what you write?

• Anonymous

  Ralph specifically how has the Governor “lied” in this case?

• Anonymous

  Please take note that I used “politician” in a generic sense–reread. Please don’t presuppose context into my posts, (unless you’re REALLY ready to discuss them).

  Have a nice day……

• Anonymous

  The scores are meaningless as each and every country has their own distinct method of measuring how well their students are doing.  Plus each country has their own idea of what a student should and should not be learning.  Germany has for years given junior high students aptitude tests, and based on their scores, the students go on to gymnasium (high school) or a trade school.  There is no choice as the test scores dictate your career path.  The Germans take education seriously, and they also know there is only so much money to go around.  They give academic educations to the students who can succeed, and they give vocational  educations to the students who can succeed.  There are no failures in the German educational system, just successes at different levels.

  The sooner we give up on the idea that everyone can become a brain surgeon, the better off America will be.  We waste so much money on students who don’t want an education, and we shortchange the students who do.

• Anonymous

  Our schools are already over crowded, where are we going to keep these fifth year students? How are we going to pay for thousands of kide to stay an extra year? What kind of a conservative would allow our taxes to increase to pay for all this?

• Anonymous

  Our schools are already over crowded, where are we going to keep these fifth year students? How are we going to pay for thousands of kide to stay an extra year? What kind of a conservative would allow our taxes to increase to pay for all this?

• Anonymous

  Our schools are already over crowded, where are we going to keep these fifth year students? How are we going to pay for thousands of kide to stay an extra year? What kind of a conservative would allow our taxes to increase to pay for all this?

• Anonymous

  Our schools are already over crowded, where are we going to keep these fifth year students? How are we going to pay for thousands of kide to stay an extra year? What kind of a conservative would allow our taxes to increase to pay for all this?

• Anonymous

  Our schools are already over crowded, where are we going to keep these fifth year students? How are we going to pay for thousands of kide to stay an extra year? What kind of a conservative would allow our taxes to increase to pay for all this?

• Anonymous

  Our schools are already over crowded, where are we going to keep these fifth year students? How are we going to pay for thousands of kide to stay an extra year? What kind of a conservative would allow our taxes to increase to pay for all this?

• Anonymous

  Our schools are already over crowded, where are we going to keep these fifth year students? How are we going to pay for thousands of kide to stay an extra year? What kind of a conservative would allow our taxes to increase to pay for all this?

• Anonymous

  Are you willing to have your taxes increased for this “great idea”? Extra students, extra teachers, extra course materials, extra classrooms……

• Anonymous

  American
  society… the dumber the people are the more they will have to rely on the
  government to survive. Stop trying to kill the American dream by taking the
  opportunity out of “The Land of Opportunity”. Heck, maybe we should
  just get rid of high school all together and keep the kids working in your
  local mom-and-pops stores and living of Mainecare for the rest of their lives.
  Get real joker… have you taken a look at where Maine stands at producing
  college grads? Or even high school grads? It’s a friggin joke. So, while you
  whine and moan like a little baby, just keep in mind that at least somebody is
  trying to do something to help this welfare state become a contender in
  American civilization… oh wait, that’s your real issue here isn’t it? You
  like welfare and poverty. I would side on this idea whether it was a republican
  or a democrat’s idea… but then again, I AM educated with multiple college
  degrees, so I understand if you can’t see the LOGIC in it.

• Anonymous

  Ya we can compete with China by acing basic arithmetic and writing stories.  Who needs

  biophysicists and software engineers anyway. LMFAO!  Great idea. 

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_QCC3ABRLTIU3EFA26HUIDQZTSM Chris

  It wasn’t… for some reason Disquis has allowed two “Chris” identities and both based from “Yahoo”

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_QCC3ABRLTIU3EFA26HUIDQZTSM Chris

  It wasn’t… for some reason Disquis has allowed two “Chris” identities and both based from “Yahoo”

• Anonymous

  Biophysicists and software engineers did not learn basic math.Oh right progressives believe they were born that way.

• Anonymous

  Biophysicists and software engineers did not learn basic math.Oh right progressives believe they were born that way.

• Anonymous

  Biophysicists and software engineers did not learn basic math.Oh right progressives believe they were born that way.

• Anonymous

  Biophysicists and software engineers did not learn basic math.Oh right progressives believe they were born that way.

• Anonymous

  Glad to see we agree on what is being taught in our schools.Young democrats instead of young professionals.

• Anonymous

  Glad to see we agree on what is being taught in our schools.Young democrats instead of young professionals.

• Anonymous

  Glad to see we agree on what is being taught in our schools.Young democrats instead of young professionals.

• Anonymous

  Glad to see we agree on what is being taught in our schools.Young democrats instead of young professionals.

• Anonymous

  Glad to see we agree on what is being taught in our schools.Young democrats instead of young professionals.

• Anonymous

  Glad to see we agree on what is being taught in our schools.Young democrats instead of young professionals.

• Anonymous

  Glad to see we agree on what is being taught in our schools.Young democrats instead of young professionals.

• Anonymous

  Glad to see we agree on what is being taught in our schools.Young democrats instead of young professionals.

• Anonymous

  Do you live in an alternate universe where responses to post always agree with you when anyone else can easily see you are being made fun of?

• Anonymous

  Do you live in an alternate universe where responses to post always agree with you when anyone else can easily see you are being made fun of?

• Anonymous

  Do you live in an alternate universe where responses to post always agree with you when anyone else can easily see you are being made fun of?

• Anonymous

  Do you live in an alternate universe where responses to post always agree with you when anyone else can easily see you are being made fun of?

• Anonymous

  Do you live in an alternate universe where responses to post always agree with you when anyone else can easily see you are being made fun of?

• Anonymous

  Do you live in an alternate universe where responses to post always agree with you when anyone else can easily see you are being made fun of?

• Anonymous

  Do you live in an alternate universe where responses to post always agree with you when anyone else can easily see you are being made fun of?

• Anonymous

  Do you live in an alternate universe where responses to post always agree with you when anyone else can easily see you are being made fun of?

• Anonymous

  Do you live in an alternate universe where responses to post always agree with you when anyone else can easily see you are being made fun of?

• Anonymous

  Do you live in an alternate universe where responses to post always agree with you when anyone else can easily see you are being made fun of?

• Anonymous

  Do you live in an alternate universe where responses to post always agree with you when anyone else can easily see you are being made fun of?

• Anonymous

  Do you live in an alternate universe where responses to post always agree with you when anyone else can easily see you are being made fun of?

• Anonymous

  Do you live in an alternate universe where responses to post always agree with you when anyone else can easily see you are being made fun of?

• Anonymous

  Do you live in an alternate universe where responses to post always agree with you when anyone else can easily see you are being made fun of?

• Anonymous

  well you just attack.You did not disagree

• Anonymous

  I didn’t “attack you”. I disagreed with your post and said why.

  Let me say it again, We (as a society) cannot seem to teach (with in the school system) “reading,writing and arithmetic” to a level to keep us competitive  on
  the world stage (as demonstrated by multiple studies) but the school is some how able to indoctrinate (through teaching) them
  into “junior” progressive socialists.

  Doesn’t that seem just a bit illogical?

• Anonymous

  I didn’t “attack you”. I disagreed with your post and said why.

  Let me say it again, We (as a society) cannot seem to teach (with in the school system) “reading,writing and arithmetic” to a level to keep us competitive  on
  the world stage (as demonstrated by multiple studies) but the school is some how able to indoctrinate (through teaching) them
  into “junior” progressive socialists.

  Doesn’t that seem just a bit illogical?

• Anonymous

  I didn’t “attack you”. I disagreed with your post and said why.

  Let me say it again, We (as a society) cannot seem to teach (with in the school system) “reading,writing and arithmetic” to a level to keep us competitive  on
  the world stage (as demonstrated by multiple studies) but the school is some how able to indoctrinate (through teaching) them
  into “junior” progressive socialists.

  Doesn’t that seem just a bit illogical?

• Anonymous

  I didn’t “attack you”. I disagreed with your post and said why.

  Let me say it again, We (as a society) cannot seem to teach (with in the school system) “reading,writing and arithmetic” to a level to keep us competitive  on
  the world stage (as demonstrated by multiple studies) but the school is some how able to indoctrinate (through teaching) them
  into “junior” progressive socialists.

  Doesn’t that seem just a bit illogical?

• Anonymous

  I didn’t “attack you”. I disagreed with your post and said why.

  Let me say it again, We (as a society) cannot seem to teach (with in the school system) “reading,writing and arithmetic” to a level to keep us competitive  on
  the world stage (as demonstrated by multiple studies) but the school is some how able to indoctrinate (through teaching) them
  into “junior” progressive socialists.

  Doesn’t that seem just a bit illogical?

• Anonymous

  I didn’t “attack you”. I disagreed with your post and said why.

  Let me say it again, We (as a society) cannot seem to teach (with in the school system) “reading,writing and arithmetic” to a level to keep us competitive  on
  the world stage (as demonstrated by multiple studies) but the school is some how able to indoctrinate (through teaching) them
  into “junior” progressive socialists.

  Doesn’t that seem just a bit illogical?

• Anonymous

  I didn’t “attack you”. I disagreed with your post and said why.

  Let me say it again, We (as a society) cannot seem to teach (with in the school system) “reading,writing and arithmetic” to a level to keep us competitive  on
  the world stage (as demonstrated by multiple studies) but the school is some how able to indoctrinate (through teaching) them
  into “junior” progressive socialists.

  Doesn’t that seem just a bit illogical?

• Anonymous

  I didn’t “attack you”. I disagreed with your post and said why.

  Let me say it again, We (as a society) cannot seem to teach (with in the school system) “reading,writing and arithmetic” to a level to keep us competitive  on
  the world stage (as demonstrated by multiple studies) but the school is some how able to indoctrinate (through teaching) them
  into “junior” progressive socialists.

  Doesn’t that seem just a bit illogical?

• Anonymous

  I didn’t “attack you”. I disagreed with your post and said why.

  Let me say it again, We (as a society) cannot seem to teach (with in the school system) “reading,writing and arithmetic” to a level to keep us competitive  on
  the world stage (as demonstrated by multiple studies) but the school is some how able to indoctrinate (through teaching) them
  into “junior” progressive socialists.

  Doesn’t that seem just a bit illogical?

• Anonymous

  They learned it in 3rd grade.  I, on the other hand, was born that way. ;)

• Anonymous

  Now that is a great statement.

• Anonymous

  Now that is a great statement.

• Anonymous

  why is it illogical when we have (some i believe a high %) of  teachers pushing social agendas such as but not limited to the gay agenda in the k-8 classes.gives a new meaning to social studies if they call it that now.

• Anonymous

  why is it illogical when we have (some i believe a high %) of  teachers pushing social agendas such as but not limited to the gay agenda in the k-8 classes.gives a new meaning to social studies if they call it that now.

• Anonymous

  why is it illogical when we have (some i believe a high %) of  teachers pushing social agendas such as but not limited to the gay agenda in the k-8 classes.gives a new meaning to social studies if they call it that now.

• Anonymous

  why is it illogical when we have (some i believe a high %) of  teachers pushing social agendas such as but not limited to the gay agenda in the k-8 classes.gives a new meaning to social studies if they call it that now.

• Anonymous

  why is it illogical when we have (some i believe a high %) of  teachers pushing social agendas such as but not limited to the gay agenda in the k-8 classes.gives a new meaning to social studies if they call it that now.

• Anonymous

  why is it illogical when we have (some i believe a high %) of  teachers pushing social agendas such as but not limited to the gay agenda in the k-8 classes.gives a new meaning to social studies if they call it that now.

• Anonymous

  why is it illogical when we have (some i believe a high %) of  teachers pushing social agendas such as but not limited to the gay agenda in the k-8 classes.gives a new meaning to social studies if they call it that now.

• Anonymous

  why is it illogical when we have (some i believe a high %) of  teachers pushing social agendas such as but not limited to the gay agenda in the k-8 classes.gives a new meaning to social studies if they call it that now.

• Anonymous

  why is it illogical when we have (some i believe a high %) of  teachers pushing social agendas such as but not limited to the gay agenda in the k-8 classes.gives a new meaning to social studies if they call it that now.

• Anonymous

  why is it illogical when we have (some i believe a high %) of  teachers pushing social agendas such as but not limited to the gay agenda in the k-8 classes.gives a new meaning to social studies if they call it that now.

• Anonymous

  why is it illogical when we have (some i believe a high %) of  teachers pushing social agendas such as but not limited to the gay agenda in the k-8 classes.gives a new meaning to social studies if they call it that now.

• Anonymous

  why is it illogical when we have (some i believe a high %) of  teachers pushing social agendas such as but not limited to the gay agenda in the k-8 classes.gives a new meaning to social studies if they call it that now.

• Anonymous

  why is it illogical when we have (some i believe a high %) of  teachers pushing social agendas such as but not limited to the gay agenda in the k-8 classes.gives a new meaning to social studies if they call it that now.

• Anonymous

  clean up DHS and spend it on education in the classroom not raises or benifits..It could fix a lot of this country’s problems.

• Anonymous

  clean up DHS and spend it on education in the classroom not raises or benifits..It could fix a lot of this country’s problems.

• Anonymous

  I wasn’t presupposing.  My point was that politicians at the highest level (which would be president of the USA) don’t need much in the way of qualifications.  A US born person who has reached 35 years of age can become president.  Think of how many people are qualified under those few qualifications. 

• Anonymous

  So document your claims.

  It is illogical to believe that our public school system cannot teach the basics but have the ability to teach “social agendas” successfully.

  Now it is time to document some of what you claim.

• Anonymous

  “Accepted” to a post-secondary institution is easy.  The percentage that actually attends in the fall is what counts.  That is my point. My post isn’t intended as a knock on Bangor HS, just that statistics can be misleading or honestly, irrelevant (it wouldn’t matter to me if 100% of that year’s class had been accepted to college if only 20% actually went that fall).

• Anonymous

  Absolutely there are some students who require alternative methods of instruction.  I don’t discount that for a second.  However, I would say the number of students who truly require it is far less than the number of kids whose poor grades are explained away by “my kid doesn’t test well, or my kid needs “hands on” activities.  Those are the battle cries of parents of what are many times simply average students (whose parents believe that their kid is a genius).  This is much like kids who truly have ADHD as opposed to kids who simply will not behave because they have never had to do so.

• Anonymous

  So what is new in this ? 
  The dumbing down of Americans, like you, is the key to calling what is already available a new  conservative big government program, and fooling the people; “Let’s roll !!!”. 

  It is Orwellian… our new Tea Party new is yesterday’s standard operating procedure.

  You are long on rethoric but short on the facts, the record or the real results.

  Let’s look at the record.
  We had a balanced Fedreral Budget, so conservatives gave a tax cut to the wealthy.
  How well did that work for the economy ? 

  It nearly crashed and burned the whole capitalistic system, and would have if we were not put on the path of  socalistic big government interferrence, corporate bailouts, by the same conservatives that also created the biggest big government buracracy after the DOD.
  Well ?
  So now that, a failed program, that contributed to the economic collapse by creating non productive ponie scheme investments,  is your conservative non-negociable sacred cow. 
  LOL

  Has any of that tax cut for the wealthy money trickled down so there is no budget shortfall on the local level, yet ?
  When should we expect those promised results ?

  Two wars… where are the WMD… or victory  ?
  Should we expect victories, anymore ?
  If not should we get involved ?
  What is the conservatiove logic there… no victory, so let’s roll ?

  What are all the conservative programs that work ? 
  Can you name any conservative programs that have worked, yet ?

  Okay, that is really hard, I know, … how unfair of me to ask… so just name the one that you are proudest of, and tell us all what the results that you like have been, and how it has made Americans lives better, please.

  I could be wrong about how well conservative policies work,
  but you have to prove that with fact, results, and improvements, not just claim it with hackneyed rethoric, calling anyone who does march right, not political correct, nor politically pure,  enough. Can you do so ?   

  Have a nice day.

• Anonymous

  Especially, as it already exists: 

   POST GRADUATE PROGRAMEvery year several students request the opportunity to take a post-graduate program commonly known as P.G. These requests are usually honored. However, any student twenty years old or older must submit a letter to Guidance stating the reasons for the P.G. program and obtain the approval of the Superintendent http://www.bangorschools.net/a…

• Anonymous

  So you support the Govenah’s big government solution to your “Smart and lazy, Dumb and lazy, hard-working and numb” problem ?

  Check.

• Anonymous

  Trickle down money.

• Anonymous

  jd, it is not  right for you to be just like a conservative.
  they can’t handle it.

• Anonymous

  jd, it is not  right for you to be just like a conservative.
  they can’t handle it.

• Anonymous

  jd, it is not  right for you to be just like a conservative.
  they can’t handle it.

• Anonymous

  jd, it is not  right for you to be just like a conservative.
  they can’t handle it.

• Anonymous

  jd, it is not  right for you to be just like a conservative.
  they can’t handle it.

• Anonymous

  jd, it is not  right for you to be just like a conservative.
  they can’t handle it.

• Anonymous

  jd, it is not  right for you to be just like a conservative.
  they can’t handle it.

• Anonymous

  “”Accepted” to a post-secondary institution is easy”? Really?

  When was the last time you applied for admission to a college and/or university? Ask any graduating senior and they will tell you it’s not “easy” to be accepted.

  The reason many graduates do not follow through in the fall are varied but for many it is a matter of money.

  By the way, I know several members of the JBMHS class of 2005 that did not apply to a college or university, decided to join the U.S. Military and defer college/university or were accepted, attended and then dropped out within the first 6 months of college/university. And I am sure the same is the case for BHS.

  My point is that the local HS do a very good job of preparing students for post secondary education.

• Anonymous

  “”Accepted” to a post-secondary institution is easy”? Really?

  When was the last time you applied for admission to a college and/or university? Ask any graduating senior and they will tell you it’s not “easy” to be accepted.

  The reason many graduates do not follow through in the fall are varied but for many it is a matter of money.

  By the way, I know several members of the JBMHS class of 2005 that did not apply to a college or university, decided to join the U.S. Military and defer college/university or were accepted, attended and then dropped out within the first 6 months of college/university. And I am sure the same is the case for BHS.

  My point is that the local HS do a very good job of preparing students for post secondary education.

• Anonymous

  “”Accepted” to a post-secondary institution is easy”? Really?

  When was the last time you applied for admission to a college and/or university? Ask any graduating senior and they will tell you it’s not “easy” to be accepted.

  The reason many graduates do not follow through in the fall are varied but for many it is a matter of money.

  By the way, I know several members of the JBMHS class of 2005 that did not apply to a college or university, decided to join the U.S. Military and defer college/university or were accepted, attended and then dropped out within the first 6 months of college/university. And I am sure the same is the case for BHS.

  My point is that the local HS do a very good job of preparing students for post secondary education.

• Anonymous

  “”Accepted” to a post-secondary institution is easy”? Really?

  When was the last time you applied for admission to a college and/or university? Ask any graduating senior and they will tell you it’s not “easy” to be accepted.

  The reason many graduates do not follow through in the fall are varied but for many it is a matter of money.

  By the way, I know several members of the JBMHS class of 2005 that did not apply to a college or university, decided to join the U.S. Military and defer college/university or were accepted, attended and then dropped out within the first 6 months of college/university. And I am sure the same is the case for BHS.

  My point is that the local HS do a very good job of preparing students for post secondary education.

• Anonymous

  “”Accepted” to a post-secondary institution is easy”? Really?

  When was the last time you applied for admission to a college and/or university? Ask any graduating senior and they will tell you it’s not “easy” to be accepted.

  The reason many graduates do not follow through in the fall are varied but for many it is a matter of money.

  By the way, I know several members of the JBMHS class of 2005 that did not apply to a college or university, decided to join the U.S. Military and defer college/university or were accepted, attended and then dropped out within the first 6 months of college/university. And I am sure the same is the case for BHS.

  My point is that the local HS do a very good job of preparing students for post secondary education.

• Anonymous

  “”Accepted” to a post-secondary institution is easy”? Really?

  When was the last time you applied for admission to a college and/or university? Ask any graduating senior and they will tell you it’s not “easy” to be accepted.

  The reason many graduates do not follow through in the fall are varied but for many it is a matter of money.

  By the way, I know several members of the JBMHS class of 2005 that did not apply to a college or university, decided to join the U.S. Military and defer college/university or were accepted, attended and then dropped out within the first 6 months of college/university. And I am sure the same is the case for BHS.

  My point is that the local HS do a very good job of preparing students for post secondary education.

• Anonymous

  “”Accepted” to a post-secondary institution is easy”? Really?

  When was the last time you applied for admission to a college and/or university? Ask any graduating senior and they will tell you it’s not “easy” to be accepted.

  The reason many graduates do not follow through in the fall are varied but for many it is a matter of money.

  By the way, I know several members of the JBMHS class of 2005 that did not apply to a college or university, decided to join the U.S. Military and defer college/university or were accepted, attended and then dropped out within the first 6 months of college/university. And I am sure the same is the case for BHS.

  My point is that the local HS do a very good job of preparing students for post secondary education.

• Anonymous

  “”Accepted” to a post-secondary institution is easy”? Really?

  When was the last time you applied for admission to a college and/or university? Ask any graduating senior and they will tell you it’s not “easy” to be accepted.

  The reason many graduates do not follow through in the fall are varied but for many it is a matter of money.

  By the way, I know several members of the JBMHS class of 2005 that did not apply to a college or university, decided to join the U.S. Military and defer college/university or were accepted, attended and then dropped out within the first 6 months of college/university. And I am sure the same is the case for BHS.

  My point is that the local HS do a very good job of preparing students for post secondary education.

• Anonymous

  “”Accepted” to a post-secondary institution is easy”? Really?

  When was the last time you applied for admission to a college and/or university? Ask any graduating senior and they will tell you it’s not “easy” to be accepted.

  The reason many graduates do not follow through in the fall are varied but for many it is a matter of money.

  By the way, I know several members of the JBMHS class of 2005 that did not apply to a college or university, decided to join the U.S. Military and defer college/university or were accepted, attended and then dropped out within the first 6 months of college/university. And I am sure the same is the case for BHS.

  My point is that the local HS do a very good job of preparing students for post secondary education.

• Anonymous

  “”Accepted” to a post-secondary institution is easy”? Really?

  When was the last time you applied for admission to a college and/or university? Ask any graduating senior and they will tell you it’s not “easy” to be accepted.

  The reason many graduates do not follow through in the fall are varied but for many it is a matter of money.

  By the way, I know several members of the JBMHS class of 2005 that did not apply to a college or university, decided to join the U.S. Military and defer college/university or were accepted, attended and then dropped out within the first 6 months of college/university. And I am sure the same is the case for BHS.

  My point is that the local HS do a very good job of preparing students for post secondary education.

• Anonymous

  “”Accepted” to a post-secondary institution is easy”? Really?

  When was the last time you applied for admission to a college and/or university? Ask any graduating senior and they will tell you it’s not “easy” to be accepted.

  The reason many graduates do not follow through in the fall are varied but for many it is a matter of money.

  By the way, I know several members of the JBMHS class of 2005 that did not apply to a college or university, decided to join the U.S. Military and defer college/university or were accepted, attended and then dropped out within the first 6 months of college/university. And I am sure the same is the case for BHS.

  My point is that the local HS do a very good job of preparing students for post secondary education.

• Anonymous

  “”Accepted” to a post-secondary institution is easy”? Really?

  When was the last time you applied for admission to a college and/or university? Ask any graduating senior and they will tell you it’s not “easy” to be accepted.

  The reason many graduates do not follow through in the fall are varied but for many it is a matter of money.

  By the way, I know several members of the JBMHS class of 2005 that did not apply to a college or university, decided to join the U.S. Military and defer college/university or were accepted, attended and then dropped out within the first 6 months of college/university. And I am sure the same is the case for BHS.

  My point is that the local HS do a very good job of preparing students for post secondary education.

• Anonymous

  LOL! I stopped reading after “a new conservative big government program”. A statement as ignorant as that can only be followed by more nonsense. I did see something about a balanced budget… you mean tripling the national deficit 3 times and not passing a budget at all for 3 years is your approach? HAHAHAHAAHA! How’d that work out for ya?! What a loser president. It’s like having George Bush again, only dumber and without a spine! Go ahead and push for 4 more years of instability…

  “Dumbimg down Americans, like you”… Hmmm maybe having a bachelors degree in computer science, application software engineering, and HIT network administration (that’s 3 by the way) doesn’t make me smart- it does, however, make me rich, and since you can’t make your own money, I guess that means you should come after mine right?
  Tell you what… if you need charity so bad, go to one of the 40 charities I
  donate to and ask them for help. They are in place to help the less fortunate.

• Anonymous

  LOL! I stopped reading after “a new conservative big government program”. A statement as ignorant as that can only be followed by more nonsense. I did see something about a balanced budget… you mean tripling the national deficit 3 times and not passing a budget at all for 3 years is your approach? HAHAHAHAAHA! How’d that work out for ya?! What a loser president. It’s like having George Bush again, only dumber and without a spine! Go ahead and push for 4 more years of instability…

  “Dumbimg down Americans, like you”… Hmmm maybe having a bachelors degree in computer science, application software engineering, and HIT network administration (that’s 3 by the way) doesn’t make me smart- it does, however, make me rich, and since you can’t make your own money, I guess that means you should come after mine right?
  Tell you what… if you need charity so bad, go to one of the 40 charities I
  donate to and ask them for help. They are in place to help the less fortunate.

• Anonymous

  LOL! I stopped reading after “a new conservative big government program”. A statement as ignorant as that can only be followed by more nonsense. I did see something about a balanced budget… you mean tripling the national deficit 3 times and not passing a budget at all for 3 years is your approach? HAHAHAHAAHA! How’d that work out for ya?! What a loser president. It’s like having George Bush again, only dumber and without a spine! Go ahead and push for 4 more years of instability…

  “Dumbimg down Americans, like you”… Hmmm maybe having a bachelors degree in computer science, application software engineering, and HIT network administration (that’s 3 by the way) doesn’t make me smart- it does, however, make me rich, and since you can’t make your own money, I guess that means you should come after mine right?
  Tell you what… if you need charity so bad, go to one of the 40 charities I
  donate to and ask them for help. They are in place to help the less fortunate.

• Anonymous

  I’m with you there! 

• Anonymous

  Agree, except that it should be important to try and change that cycle… this would be a good way to do it. 

• Anonymous

  Yes… motivation is MUCH needed in Maine.  Programs like these may inspire someone to want to achieve more.  Maine does (unfortunately) have the reputation of being full of dumb, redneck, ditch digging, alcoholics and drug addicts … I am all for changing that image because, I too,  know it is more than that.  Inspire education, and you will inspire growth.