Fox29Fan's Blog

In recent months, I have been thinking about the broken school system in America. I mean I haven't been loosing sleep over it, but it has been on my mind. As a seventeen-year-old highschool student I believe I see the failures in America's schools. Therefore, I'd like to share my opinions on how to tackle the problem of America's public schools. Please comment me with your feed back and ideas. Don't be shy! If you think i'm being crazy then say it, or if you think I'm a genius..you can certainly say that too.

To me the fix to this problem is simple. It all begins with the fact that our schools are "socialized" (being funded by the government, and the taxpayer's money). In this blog I will be referring to our public schools as "socialized" schools. This is mainly because I believe the public does not control them. I mean when is the last time the superintendent of schools in your neighborhood called you up and asked for your opinion on how to run them? Let me answer: NEVER!

Anyways back to the point. By having these schools socialized we have in essence created a monopoly. Throughout American history we have learned that all monopolies are bad for the consumer or "public" because of the lack of competition. Think of it like this: there is only one cable company where you live. They are raising their prices and cutting back on services, but because you want to stay connected to the outside world you have no choice but to keep them as your provider. That example directly correlates to the public school system in America. If your children have to attend socialized schools (you cannot afford private education); then you have no choice but to send them to the schools in your district regardless of whether or not that district is slacking. Therefore, becuase of the lack of options you are left with an inferior product: an uneducated child.

You're now probably thinking about how to fix this problem. As simple as the reason for the problem, the answer to it is just as easy. If a socialized school performs badly in educating its students (ie. below average scores in testing) it still recieves the same amount of aid as a school that has students who excel. Here in lies the solution to the problem. Let me break it down for you with this example. Say you have two McDonalds in your neighborhood. One is clean, friendly, quick, and they know how to assemble those Big-Macs just right! The other one though is just the opposite performing poorly. Which McDonalds do you think will stay in business longer? The good one, right? Of course! The lousy MickeyDs will loose customers or go out of bussiness unless it cleans up its act.

Now let's relate this to our broken school system. If you are given other alternatives as to where you can send your children (schools outside your district, etc) then the underperforming schools in your area will be forced to make improvements so that they can stay in business. Believe it or not the solution is just that easy. I know you're thinking well how do we achieve this? That answer is too simple.

Basically, instead of just giving our schools free reign over their money; we should make them work fot it. Therefore, I propose that we attach the money to the child. Ie. If attached to each child say was $4,000 for one school year, then the schools would have to attract students to come there so that they could recieve the money attached to the child and stay in business. How would they attract the students? By simply improving test scores, firing bad teachers, and maintaining a safe and healthy environment.

Well this is only one small step to fixing an increasingly big problem. In the future I hope to tackle more issues having to do with our schools. I hope you enjoyed my argument. Tonight, though I urge you to contact government officials whether it be through email, snail mail, or telephone and pressure them into fixing the system. If we do not fix it soon it will be too late and there will be no going back.

Thanks,
FOX29FAN

The 5PM news broadcast on Fox29 has aired for the second day now, and I have decided to post my thoughts about it since I consider my self to be a "newsy". A A"newsy" in my book is someone who loves the news from breaking news, to weather, to politics, etc. Below I have posted an e-mail which I sent to Kerri-Lee Halkett since she asked for opinions to be emailed to her on the air tonight. You can read it, then please comment and let me know what you think? if you agree/disagree?
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KL,

I've watched the past two 5PM broadcasts, and I must say I just can’t warm up to it. I love FOX29 news, and I am really pulling for you guys, but something just seems to be missing. Personally, I feel you do better with a co -anchor. An hour is a long time to go solo. I think Dave Huddleston should anchor with you because there should be some type of male figure, someone to play the serious role. Not saying that you can't do that but your personality is a very compassionate jovial one. (This of course a good thing, and needed for a news team, but news teams need to be balanced. A good example of this is Mat O'Donnell and Tamayla Edwards in the morning on WPVI.



Also, there are many things missing from your newscast that I don't like. It's not the format of standing or informal talk with the other anchors, but it's the actual news. I think there needs to be more news, and less human interest stories. Also, you have the weather (yay for Robby G), but where's the traffic. You can't have a successful 5PM newscast in a metropolitan area like this without traffic. Another thing would be some more filed reports, and live feeds from around the region.



I will say though, the set is absolutely stunning, HD is great (i've seen the graphic for SKYFOX HD..can't wait for that to come), informal delivery is perfect, the new graphics are great (although at times a bit Gerald-at-Largish -- i mean cheesy). There's just that one void that needs to be filled, and I can't quite narrow it down. Well these are just suggestions, you did ask for them on the show.. You can take them for what their worth.



I'm just afraid you guys won’t be able to compete. As a newsy I've been waiting for this for years, and have been watching FOX29 for years. Whenever, I'm in social circles and we talk about news teams, I always stick up for you guys and tell my friends you're no longer the little engine that could. Who'd have thought ten years ago that the FOX network would be a force to be reckoned with?



Anyways, keep up the good work. As I said, I'm pulling for yas’!



Thanks,

FOX29FAN (blog name)

Drexel Hill, PA