[Tazlikesrobots]

The problem also stems from teachers that are ill equipped or are not knowledgeable to teach their subject. But the biggest impact is the parents. Education starts at home and a great deal of parents have relegated that task expecting schools to do all the teaching.

So the question is why there is such a decline. Is it education system, the mass media, or disinterested parents? I believe that it is all of the above.

From the 1950's to the 1980’s there was a great deal of TV coverage when it came to science and engineering. You had the cold war, the space race, National Geographic specials, Wild Kingdom and who could forget Mr. Wizard. While we now have TV channels devoted to science, there is not a single show on daytime or primetime (maybe on PBS) devoted to promoting science on any of the major TV networks. You have to subscribe to satellite or cable to get any content related to science. While TV ratings play a role on what is on prime time, the media could do more to promote science in a good light. More people care about who won American Idol, but nobody could care less about the people that invented the technology that made the live coverage of the event possible. We all know who is Kelly Clarkston, but do you know who Peter Goldmark is? He is the inventor of the first successful color TV.

School budgets are tight and expectations for performance from the goverment have increased. In most cases the school year is centered around a standardized test. Teachers are pressured to teach to the test, leaving little or no room for teaching something the students would find fascinating. Teachers often find that the reality of teaching in a classroom is not what they envisioned and opt for work in the private sector.

Studies show that students whose parents are actively involved in their education have better grades are more likely to graduate from college. Parents are the key to education. Until they demand for higher standards in education, then the status quo will continue. Ask yourself this question; when was the last time a congressional or presidential candidate ran (and won) on a platform for better education? [Insert chirping sound here] There has been mention by candidates as a side issue, but usually the economy, social security, etc. tend to be the major plank in the platform.

My .50 cents (have to account for inflation)