<p>I am not talking about socialism. I am not particularly in favor of systems that sort kids out for different treatment at a young age, as I mentioned in my previous post. Many non-socialist countries have equal educational funding. Nor have I said equalizing educational funding would solve all problems. mam's evidence only supports that equalizing educational funding doesn't solve all problems, which I never claimed. All I said was that it would IMPROVE things. The US is unique in that school funding in many states relies on property taxes. There really is no reason it has to be that way. Vermont signed the equal educational opportunity act in 1997 (<a href="http://www.state.vt.us/educ/new/html/laws/act60.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.state.vt.us/educ/new/html/laws/act60.html</a>) So far the act has seen a GRADUAL closing in the disparities of achievement among the poorest and richest students in vermont, whereas disparities in many other states are growing.</p>
<p>MOST capitilist countries fund public educatioin equally. And as far as your comment about good teachers not choosing to go to impovershed neighborhoods even if they would be paid well by the school, I would like to see your evidence supporting that assumption? Teachers are usually in the profession because they like to teach. I know teachers who take pride in being someplace they are needed.</p>
<p>Yes, culture can be a hindrance to education. I know intimitely that this is the case. But also from experience I can say at every school where the general culture is not academically-focused, there are students who care about education, and are hurt by a school's lack of resources. Which came first: education or pro-education culture? It's a bit of a chicken and the egg situation, but changing one HAS to affect the other.</p>