From: N Furmston/D Hare <furmston@gpu.srv.ualberta.ca>
Subject:
Date: Wed, 31 Dec 1997 08:35:14 -0600

Interesting discussion of public education. The simple truth is, at least
in Alberta (Canada),
politics, poor decision making and the uninformed have made it difficult
for teachers to do their job as effectively as the public expects and
demands. I challenge the public to spend time in public schools. What you
will find are overcrowded classrooms, students with mild to severe
psychological problems who are not receiving appropriate support, few
resources, teachers with little time to actually think and plan, etc.
Teachers who are on long term disability are increasing at an alarming
rate. Teachers booking off ill has sky rocketed in the last few years. In
the end, students who need extra attention are being left behind. This is
the state of education in the Province of Alberta.

D. Hare, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada