30 years ago, California’s K-12 school system was the national leader. Now it ranks near the bottom.

"Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.” Martin Luther King Jr.

► In 2003, 43% of African American students in California dropped out.
► In 2003, 152,189 kids dropped out of California high schools.
► 1.2 million students drop out of high school every year.

What's holding you back from getting a good education? Share your own stories.

 

Straight up Facts
by Lelagrace
Numbers, percentages, and other boring stuff with fun italicized commentary.

Teaching
by Lelagrace
Do you really know what it takes to teach?

What Teachers Make
by Taylor Mali
I decide to bite my tongue instead of his.

Education & Learning Resources
YN Resource Page
Need more facts, stats, and other info on teaching and learning?

Education Throwdown: Public vs. Private Schools
By: gilliebean

I went to public school from kindergarten through high school, and I was always convinced that my education was equal to the one my friends at private schools received. It was an ongoing, half-joking debate. I’d say, “We’re learning the same stuff you guys are, but we’re not paying $15,000 a year for it. We don’t live in a rich, white kid bubble that’s out of touch with the real world. And polos and pleated khakis aren’t part of our wardrobe.” The private school contingent would counter, “We have smaller classes and better teachers and courses that prepare us more for college. And we don’t wear pleated anything.” What’s really better—public school or private school? Does it depend on where you live or how much money you have? What’s your experience, and would you change it if you could?

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