What percentage of US budget should be for education?How important is education?
541477
yup... Bush has made cuts to education and that's not mentioning his No Child Left Behind program that has heavily taxed an already overburdened system... \nAnd college tuition has went up an average of 40 percent since Bush's presidency... and loans and grants are down...\nEducation is far down his list, and all of his suporters have their children in private school and just want the school choice program so they can milk the system even more...\n\nNot everyone can afford private school... and has anyone ever been in an inner-city school... or even a school that is way out in the middle of nowhere in the south... poverty beyond belief and no supplies...
1100686
I believe that someday colleges and universities in the US will be able to provide free education...but not yet. I look forward to the day though.\n\nRe your question: When you say "Doesn't IT state that everyone is entitiled to a free education"....what is the IT you are referring to?? I don't think I have read that anywhere....and I read quite a bit.\n\nRegarding the war: I agree. Too long. Too much. Too little exit strategy. \n\nBut, let me ask you this: Is there EVER an obligation for a stronger nation to help out the people of another nation when those people get gassed and murdered? \n\nI happen to think that with strength comes obligation...ie, if a big guy sees an old lady's purse get snatched...and the big guy can stop the bad guy...isn't it his OBLIGATION to do so??? Did we have that OBLIGATION in Iraq??? Maybe, maybe not. Do we have that obligation in Darfur? Probably. Did we have that obligation in World War II to stop the Nazis? I think so.\n\nDebt is rising because we are funding an incredibly expensive war. Think what that money could do here in the US for education. But, lets say we achieve peace and stability in Iraq and in the Middle East....what is that worth? Zero? It is worth something....I just don't know what.\n\nClinton was charming....he was a proponent of some good domestic policies...but, his foreign relations and actions were bad. Really bad. That will not be what he is remembered for. \n\nI don't think Bush is smart. However, to say Clinton wasn't "out playing on a ranch or golfing while our country needed him..." is not fair. It would be like someone saying "...clinton was getting blown and playing with cigars while our country needed him." \n\nRemember, right now school money comes from taxes. When the economy slows, people make less $$...and therefore the government's income goes down. But, the schools' demands for money don't go down. The answer? Well, we could raise taxes, or we could try to get the economy going. Or, we could cut school spending. \n\nLots of issues....difficult choices....
675817
It is important to go to school, because at school you learn things that will help you run your life. When you grow up, you need to have gone to school to get a job and earn money. If nobody went to school, then everyone would be stupid, and nobody would run our country, then the whole world would be messed up.
183961
The education system is efficient and based on the US curriculum. The literacy rate is 95.9%, one of highest in Asia, and about equal
16723
Grades can be important, but networking is more important.  If you don't have a contact book, get one.  Also learn about budgeting and financial independence.
473995
The snappy answer to your question might be "both" or "everyone."  Maybe every U.S. politician should be receive a strongly-worded letter about the lack of education funding.  Since, both the House and the Senate must play a role in the amont of funding that goes into education (for example, the recent Deficit Reduction Act which went back and forth numerous times before being passed), consider writing one from each.\n\nBut, if you had to pick...\n\nJohn Boehner was the Chairman of the House Education and Workforce Committee. The committee had a great deal to do with the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, which  (after being put on the back-burner for several years) is greatly lacking.  For some features of the House's bill (which many find less-than-desirable), try http://www.nasfaa.org/publications/2006/greconciliationupdate011906.html\n\nOr, consider writing to Bill "Buck" McKeon (R-CA) instead, as he is the new chair of the House Education fo Workforce Committee.\n\nCheck out these tips for writing Congress (from the National Association of Financial Aid Administrators): http://www.nasfaa.org/publications/2001/GCommunicatingWithCongress.html
213700
I don't know if there is a specific percentage that you should have, but it's never too early to start investing and saving for retirement through an account like an IRA or 401k, which are often available through your place of employment.\n\nI think it is important to consider the expense of living for a considerable amount of time with little to no income during retirement.  Other things to figure are inflation rates, longevity, and the quality of life you would like to maintain in retirement.\n\nI suggest you find a financial consultant to discuss your retirement plans.  They deal with planning people's investments day in and day out and may be able to better assist your in your inquiry.
913030
I think you should research students and debt.   I think that would be a great topic.  Talk to students who are both freshmen and seniors and find out if they are educated about financing their futures, and find out how much debt they have accumulated during their education.
999312
We have a large family and it matters to me to be able to provide for their education.  More money would surely help with that.
862768
It serves the needs of the masses--if the politicians would stay out of it and let the parents and educators set the standards and establish policy.  Unfortunately all too often state lawmakers distribute money to the school districts and feel they have all the answers.\n\nYou've made a blanket statement that is hard to answer.  A lot depends on where the public schools are located within a town.  Even in school districts that cover all the schools in one town/city you will find differences based on that neighborhoods' population.  I hate to say it, but even in the town I live in which is considered to be affluent there are pockets of lower income citizens.  These parents have to work two jobs sometimes and English is not necessarily their first language.  They don't have access to in-home computers in many instances.  The schools are overcrowded and many are left behind because there aren't enough people to work with the kids.  Other parts of town the parents are overly involved and put great effort and their own money into having art and PE classes for their kids.  They pay for these salaries out of their own fundraising efforts.  As you might guess, there is a preponderence of doctors, lawyers, etc. in these areas.  The kids aren't any smarter inherently, but they are given advantages others aren't.  They act more like private schools with public school money.\n\nThese schools tend to be smaller in size which allows for more individualized attention.  In the larger schools gang activity--even if they are only wannabees--increase.  Reputations suffer and they are seen as less desirable so even less money is funneled to them which seems to be the opposite of what should be occuring.\n\nThe best thing about the public schools that I've observed in different states is the quality of the teachers who are dedicated to helping kids learn with few resources and low pay.  Now that they have to pass exams to reach Masters level (not the degree, but the level of competence) they have to work even harder to put their dossiers together to prove their ability.  They don't get the prep time people think they do because they're constantly attending meetings on the new literacy programs, the federal standards, disciplinary meetings, and whatever else comes up.  They spend their own time going to school events such as sports or music programs and spring fundraising events because they care about their kids and the school.\n\nI'll be honest.  I'd worked on my Master's in another field when I decided to take all the classes I needed to become a secondary school teacher.  At the last minute I chose not to take the NTE because I couldn't deal with the bureacracy and pettiness of school boards, administrations and even some parents.  I've put my talents to other uses helping kids and I'm much happier for it and I think just as effective.\n\nI hope this somehow answers your question.
1153037
Wouldn't the GI bill help a lot?  Here is the website.  Hope it helps.  Education is a right and no one, who wants to go to school, should have to pay for it.
1150868
Public Education should be a right not a privilege. In my opinion, public education should be a right. We need public education. When it comes to voting, the government can make more educated decisions concerning the will of the American Public. Public education is needed for all kids. Kids need to stay away from bad things. They need to learn something so that they can have a future. I believe that everyone has the right to public education. Everyone needs to be able to get into college or to get a job. People need to learn how to read. Reading is important for when people have to read directions or fill out an application. They also need basic math so they can keep track of their money. Public education should not be a privilege. because not everyone would benefit. Some kids have learning disabilities and behavioral problems. These kids would not be able to get into school. Instead they would be causing trouble on the streets. They would be stealing money because they can't work. Without an education there may not be enough people to work. Companies would go out of business without people to work for them. The economy would be wrecked. People would be living in shelters or out on the streets. Only the rich would survive. \nIn conclusion, I believe that public education should be a right not a privilege. Everyone needs to have an education. It would hurt the country if people didn't work. It would hurt our country if citizens could not read. Everyone needs public education.
424344
It is very good for education, however job prospects are not so good. USA is the best!
614137
The education levels of\nthe United States population\nreached an alltime\nhigh, according to\nCensus 2000.1 Of the\n182.2 million people\naged 25 and over on\nApril 1, 2000, 80 percent\nhad a high school\ndiploma or more, and\n24 percent had completed\nat least a bachelor’s\ndegree.\nEducation has been\nincluded in the United\nStates census questionnaire\nsince 1840, when\ninformation was collected\non literacy of the\npopulation 20 years\nand over. Since that\ntime, questions on education\nhave become\nmore complex. From\n1940 to 1980, the census\ninquired about the\nnumber of years of\nschool each person had\ncompleted. In 1990\nand 2000, the question
580522
Kinda concerned that you are asking about the branches of "our government". Has education gotten THAT bad here?  Isn't that one of the first things you learn?\n(but you can rely on Binx)
73062
Ouch!  Hi MaggieSue!  A person definitely needs an education in order to learn new skills and know how to use them to the benefit of him/herself and others.  I say "Ouch!" because none of my kids (ages 24, 23, 19, 19, 18, 11, and 6) have ever been to school.\n\nHomeschooling is increasing in popularity, and is definitely an educational option for a large number of people.  Does this mean a person doesn't need to "do school?"  Not necessarily.  In homeschooling a parent directs his or her child's learning outside of a traditional school setting.\n\nWhile it is true that a doctor needs an education that is both definable and documentable, it is also true that many people learn skills on-the-job, work in apprenticeships, study on-line, take home study courses, volunteer to gain skills, join the armed services, or read to improve their abilities.\n\nAlthough college is becoming more important, and more skills require licenses and certificates, you may find that your talents lie in areas that don't require formal education.  Opportunities exist in floristry, landscaping, childcare, animal husbandry, farming, home health care, interior design, carpentry, etc.  \n\nIt is a combination of things that should help you decide the direction that you will choose concerning your education.  If finances are a problem, consider work study, scholarships and grants.  Consider some community college classes to help you decide if further education might appeal to you more than you think.\n\nDon't limit your choices.  Expand your options.  You will do well if you follow your dreams and work consistently toward your goals.\n\nGod bless your efforts.
227832
I would say its very important if you have kids...you will be paying taxes that benefit this school and if for some reason you decide that it isn't the right one for your kids you will have to transport them elsewhere and even pay for their tuition in some cases.  Its pretty easy to investigate academic levels of distinction online as well - if you are concerned with the quality of education your child will receive.\nIf you don't have any children, the school district may dictate how "resellable" your house is to families with children and may also have a lot to do with what kind of neighbors you might expect to deal with in that area.\nBottom line is that its definitely worth investigating prior to buying a house - that way you can weigh your options either way.