Politics

These are personal positions of Dennis Ashendorf.  The other sections of this site are written somewhat dispassionately.  These pages are more confrontational.

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Many of you work in Sacramento with such great attitudes.  I wish I could match it.  Since encountering CA Algebra 1 & the standards, my cynicism toward the work in that area code is boundless. 

California is one of three states with eighth grade Algebra 1 required, and it requires just a two-year high school math requirement.  It doesn't take a great mind to see that Algebra 1 required for high school graduation with a three year requirement would benefit students more.  There is only one reason that it isn't, and everything else is sophistry:  the state k-8 team gets to determine what textbook systems are used for Algebra 1 and remediation, etc.  It's the money, baby.  Damn the kids.  To believe otherwise seems pollyannish.

When listening to the clearly presented words to committee deliberators, I think 'Who set the requirement that a textbook had to be all things?'  For example, CPM looks great for instruction, but it's assessment is weak, therefore it's not. So what!  I can grab tests from other sources.  The criteria on sub-groups being treated appropriately diminishes quality.  These concerns make textbooks that are close to unreadable by a sentient being with all of their clutter.  I address access with supplements and clear easy-to-read texts.  That's access.  Tangent after tangent isn't.  Am I wrong to believe that the requirements made by bureaucrats to be fair in covering the requirements fool the brain?

Furthermore, I'm told in one ear that the texts shouldn't drive our curriculum, and in the other that they are our Williams demanded mainstay.  What is it, or is it just about the money for big publishers, and we struggle for the better way?

Sacramento kills our students success.  Byzantine failure.

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People who advocate the 65 Percent solution happily state that they are not in it for the students.  They simply want to antagonize bureaucrats and teachers.  For example, the 65 percent doesn't include libraries or counselors, which are greatly used and needed by students.  Cutting these groups will hurt, which is the goal.  Certainly, cutting waste would be great.  How about turning eyes onto the Department of Education.

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No matter how the public initiatives turn out, you are responsible for your financial security.  Surf these sites and learn more:

  Investment Company Institute

  Securities & Exchange Commission Invester Information

  NASD Investment Fund Analyzer

  Motley Fool

  MorningStar

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While running for First Vice President against a well-liked incumbant may assure failure, it nonetheless afforded the staking of a clear position on the education initiatives facing California in 2005.  Part 1 and part 2 of my platform were photocopied on one 8 1/2 x 14" sheet.

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The WalMart issue isn't sour grapes from disappointed union organizers, but a real concern about the impact of low wages.  For example, because of limited health care, every 200 Wal-Mart employees cost taxpayers about $420,000 in state aid.  Taxpayers pay for Wal-Mart's low prices.  Is this the society we crave?  If child labor law violations concern you, surf the Stop Child Labor website.  Want to do something, then start by surfing Wake Up WalMart.

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Perhaps reforms to SS are needed, but don't forget that Wall Street will earn billions of dollars in fees.  This colors what columnists say and what we are told.  See Wall Street Greed for more information.

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