Schooling? We Talkin' About Schooling?

First, to the Suns, great game last night and it doesn't matter...on to more important things.

The Fredstrom became aware of some recent statistics regarding education in Arizona and thought that the people should be informed so here goes it.

Arizona has the 2nd highest student-teacher ratio in the country. 21.4 students per teacher.

Arizona is ranked 35th in the nation in average teacher salaries. $7,000 below the nat'l avg.

In 2008, the U.S. average per student expenditure is $9,963. 

Arizona ranks dead last in student expenditure at $5,346. The chart below shows 2005, Arizona was passed by Utah in 2008.

Over the past decade inflation has risen 31.4% Teacher salaries on average have declined 1%.

Now the Fredstrom isn't going to go off about all these sad statistics...He just wonders how a state like Arizona can be so far behind? Where has all the money gone?  Look at the states that spend more than Arizona? How can you be dead last?  Pathetic!

According to Tom Horne the State Super of Education, we are ranked above the national average in almost every category and are dead last in spending.  Imagine Arizona's potential if they could manage a budget and increase educational spending?  He poses that we are not the "Dumbest State" but are the "Dumbest Business".  

Then there you have it... The Fredstrom is employed by the Dumbest Business! Sweet!