Gleaning Facebook: Republicans Are a Disaster for Public Schools

 Nathan Deal has been a disaster for public education.

Republican leadership since 2002 has damaged public education in Georgia.

Here's the problem: The right-wingers who control Republican primaries hate public education. They are the base Republican politicians must bow to to retain their positions. When those who do not believe in public education control it, you cannot expect the schools to improve.

There is research to suggest that art and music are not only a cultural enrichment to students, but that those disciplines are at least associated with excellence in learning in other areas. A direct causal effect is less certain but I am convinced that music and art are essential parts of a good education and the robbing our children of these opportunities is a very bad idea.

Here are some studies: 

• Hetland 2000a & b 

• Vaughn 2000

• Butzlaff 2000

• Standley 1996