Upstate Property Taxes

[Five Seasons]

Now, I pay high property taxes and get more excited at the prospect of going hunting than to the clubs/bars. I know for a fact I wouldn't recognize myself if my 21-yr old version happened to jump to the future and look at me now at 31. Time flies.

so true. the stories and things i've done. Now my wife, baby and I are in bed by 10 on a Saturday night. Which supports my hunting hobby very well. haha.

[tuckersdaddy]

just curious, but why? I loved my time at UB and then on Elmwood. Spent 2 more years in cheektowaga which was kind of blah and then owned a home in Alden for 3 years that I really enjoyed.

and you wouldn't want to pay the $20-$30 more a year to help fund sports, arts, computers and better education? I guess I disagree with some of the union rights that teachers enjoy, but other than that our schools are deplorable and need all the help they can get. And if the money bumps do go to teachers, then I do hope it helps to attract better teachers. Dont forget you need a masters to teach in this state. That's 6 years of loans.

Masters degree, because that proves you know your stuff...... You hit on part of the ny education system that is just an absolute failure. 6 yrs to learn how to teach, but many of the educators have no clue what there teaching. Its always a joy to help my kids do their homework to have notes come back from the teacher stating 'thats not how we teach this subject' or 'we would appreciate sticking to the guild lines of the text'. Yes im no longer invited to the parent/teacher meetings. The teachers of the past that actually knew history, could add and subtract, and maybe even teach some hands on skill are getting very rare. But dont worry, the new astro turf on our football field is a just as green today as it is in july. 16th in the world? we're lucky to be that highly ranked.

[Five Seasons]

Masters degree, because that proves you know your stuff...... You hit on part of the ny education system that is just an absolute failure. 6 yrs to learn how to teach, but many of the educators have no clue what there teaching. Its always a joy to help my kids do their homework to have notes come back from the teacher stating 'thats not how we teach this subject' or 'we would appreciate sticking to the guild lines of the text'. Yes im no longer invited to the parent/teacher meetings. The teachers of the past that actually knew history, could add and subtract, and maybe even teach some hands on skill are getting very rare. But dont worry, the new astro turf on our football field is a just as green today as it is in july. 16th in the world? we're lucky to be that highly ranked.

I never said a masters degree proves anything, but simply pointed out that in order to teach you at least have to put in substantial investment of time and money first. It may not prove you're a good teacher, but it does prove you're invested and dedicated. I know PHD scientists who are brilliant, doesn't mean they can teach. I know some excellent, patient teachers with very little education. But I'd hope that when they're writing on the chalk board they use the proper grammar and spelling.

So yes, there are 2 parts to being an excellent teacher. Knowledge and the ability to convey your knowledge to others. All of us have had our good and bad teachers. But leave sports out of this. Statistics prove children involved in sports or the arts achieve better grades then those that don't. And they're more likely to stay out of after school trouble. And in some schools, the ticket sales from football games help fund the less popular sports. I played 2 or 3 sports every year of middle and high school and always did better during the sports season.

[Pav2704]

I would pay more for better education. I have been paying more and now we are 16th in the world when it comes to education, we are tied with Poland...I heard a Polish guy tell a joke the other day and it went something like this. How many Americans does it take to screw in lightbulb, Answer>> 3 one to hold bulb and 2 to pick up step ladder and and walk in circle with it, HA, HA, HA...

Based on the article that I believe Sits found:

http://www.greatschools.org/students/academic-skills/1075-u-s-students-compare.gs

Finland was ranked #1 in education and if you read through the article, some of the reasons noted are pretty interesting.

1)

• Students are separated into academic and vocational tracks during the last three years of high school. About 50% go into each track.
  
• 2)
  
• Finland uses very little standardized testing.
  
• 
  
• and
  
• 3)
  
• College is free in Finland.
  
• 
  
• These differences are drastic compared to the United States. Students today are bombarded with standardized test starting in the third grade. For the most part, all students are geared for college, even those would definately benefit from learning a trade. I believe that NYS has just recently began talking about adding a seperate vocational diploma, but I doubt that will ever happen. And, like you stated your paying 28k a year for college.
  

[Pav2704]

On a similar note maybe today's parents are not doing a good enough job.

Number 1 in teen birth rates.

http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/resources/pdf/TBR_InternationalComparison.pdf

Or maybe today's police officers are not doing a good enough job.

We are also ranked number one in gun related killings compared with other developed countries.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2012/12/14/chart-the-u-s-has-far-more-gun-related-killings-than-any-other-developed-country/

Number 1 in crime

http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/cri_tot_cri-crime-total-crimes

It is very difficult to compare the U.S. with other countries when there are so many different variables to take into account. Being a teacher myself, I can definately say that our educational system needs dramatic change to compete with other countries, however, much of this needed change is in the hands of people like Cuomo!! Enough said!!

[Five Seasons]

i blame parenting 100%.

[Pav2704]

Are doctors in the U.S. to blame for obsetiy. One out of every three people in the U.S. is obese. The U.S. ranks #2 for obesity!!!

http://www.livestrong.com/article/347190-obesity-in-america-vs-other-countries/

[WNYBuckHunter]

What do Drs have to do with obesity, and what do police have to do with the commission of crimes?

[josephmrtn]

Its a parenting problem...

[Geno C]

Dr's are to blame for obesity? what lol

id say parenting, no self control and bad genetics lol

no but seriously, i dont feel bad for obese people at all... most are due to emotional problems, when you hit 300 lbs somethings up, when you hit 4, then 5 and then 600 lbs that person should have said WHAT THE heck is going on, im 400lbs i need to do something! but they dont, they sit hiome feeling sorry for themselves eating gallons of ice cream. the ones who actually have a pysical condition is one thing, the ones who say oh i was star athlete in high school with a 6 pack but when jenny broke up with me i went on an eating binge for 8 years i mean cmon, get up and change. i must be shallow then.

[Pav2704]

That's the point I'm trying to make Gino. Doctors give their patients all the info they need to lose the weight and become healthier. Most people do little beyond that point. Same is true in the classroom. Teachers can give students all the tools and strategies to become better readers, but if they never open a book at home they will suffer academically.

[tuckersdaddy]

That's the point I'm trying to make Gino. Doctors give their patients all the info they need to lose the weight and become healthier. Most people do little beyond that point. Same is true in the classroom. Teachers can give students all the tools and strategies to become better readers, but if they never open a book at home they will suffer academically.

Not the same in the classroom, students are in a box, and made to conform to that box. but not all students are the same.my 8 year old was assigned a goal at the begining of the school year to read 25 book by the end of the year. during thanksgiving break he finished his 25th, was told by the teacher what a great job he did, but no long presses the subject of reading to him. during a parent teacher meeting befor christmas i asked his teacher why he wasnt bringing home books any longer, her answer was he achieved the standard...... So why are the parents to blame?

[josephmrtn]

I say raise the standard

[Pav2704]

I can't tell you why that particular teacher stopped sending books home. My students are sent home books weekly based on reading levels as well as interest, regardless of goals achieved. I try to encourage my students to enjoy reading, not just to say that a goal has been achieved and now you can stop.

I do believe that parents should take more of an initiative and take their children to the library. Encourage reading in the home. If a person met their goal weight, should they stop eating healthy and exercising?

[josephmrtn]

I LOVE Reading!!!! (thats why i have to wear contacts... from years of staying up past midnight reading in VERY low light)

[tuckersdaddy]

I can't tell you why that particular teacher stopped sending books home. My students are sent home books weekly based on reading levels as well as interest, regardless of goals achieved. I try to encourage my students to enjoy reading, not just to say that a goal has been achieved and now you can stop.

I do believe that parents should take more of an initiative and take their children to the library. Encourage reading in the home. If a person met their goal weight, should they stop eating healthy and exercising?

the way it was explained to me by another teacher is they teach by systems, not by content or subject matter..? another example is my oldest, last year in 7th grade math he was required to have a graphing scientific calculator. i figured they were teaching at a much higher level then we were taught, until i had to explain to him why his 99 cent candy bar cost $1.07 and an hour on how to figure percentages. I think the schools are missing the basics, reading, writing, math, and focus more on making everything look good for standard testing, compliancy. and as far as belo's sports? most of us played sports or music and didnt need to do it in a 7 million dollar stadium to have fun and learn the lessons of the game. yep 2 inches of snow last night and the football field was still green!

[5.9cummins]

Here is my two cents.

I have 4 generations of teachers in my family (8 teachers in all ranging from a PHD college professor to a shop class teacher in three separate states). From my great grandmother down to my wife (she does not currently teach). I don't know that its a issue with any one particular thing. My great grandmother had a class of 50 and never had issues with outbursts or obedience my wife routinely had issues from A-Z while teaching.

Its a reflection of society. We don't VALUE education as a society. That is reflected in parenting and which kids "show up" mentally.

Some will say we do value education and point to college and the number of grads. But college is just as much of an issue as the high school system. I know a lot of kids who were steered away from vocational paths because they were "too smart" myself included. When in all reality a lot of those kids probably should have gone on to work a trade. Vocations, Trades, apprentice ships are not given enough value in my opinion and are looked down on.

At the same time I saw many of those same kids enter college with me. 90% of the kids that entered my program (chemistry) dropped out. A large portion of which i think was due to the perception that they had to go get a college degree when in reality there time would have been better spent pursing another path.

The cost of college is outrageous. I went to a state school and i can not even start to comprehend how someone can afford a private tuition. We need to sit down and determine is it really worth the investment. I think the debt we stat out with often far out weighs the benefits of the degree.

As for a Degree my relative who is a professor once told me get your PHD you don't need to be a genius just persistent. He was absolutely right. I have worked with a lot of PHD's, some are brilliant but i would say i could run circles around just as many.

I am not in favor of tenure. No one should ever be that secure. That is the reason a great deal of people are able to keep there jobs when they should be removed. Removal is still not the end of it. I know of a elementary administrator that was given a police escort off the property with a few of her "belongings". Said administrator turned up 15+ years later on the first day of school to teach one of my wife's classes at College. Every teacher should have an evaluation. There is no logical argument against this.

As much as i think sports are a good thing it needs to be a pay to play situation. You or your parents want you in a sport, put your money where your mouth is. The last town i lived in had a beautiful sports complex but was photocopying books because they didn't have enough. Academics first and foremost once they are top notch then focus on the sports programs.

Do away with standardized tests, there pointless. You end up teaching to meet the test not learn the material. And make it easier for kids to move ahead or fall back. To many kids are limited or not challenged enough by the curriculum while others are pushed along when they should not be.

Enough with the square pegs in the round holes.

Edited March 9, 2013 by 5.9cummins

[Geno C]

Those are some good points IMO ^

[Pav2704]

Well said 5.9!

[covert]

Everyone should visit. Nobody will force you stay. It helps give you some perspective of how the "other side" lives. Case and point, my best friend from college grew up in Manhattan. We attended UB together. And he came home to stay with me at my parents one weekend in our log cabin. He thought it was going to be like Abraham Lincoln's cabin. A few hikes in the woods and a night in the hot tub with some drinks and 2 girls I knew from from high school under the stars, he began to see what I loved about the country. A weekend of crazy bar hoping with no driving and a taxi cab drive to a concert and Yankees game and I saw what he loved about the city.

You remind me of a friend of mine. He's always telling me "Everyone should do it once so you can say you did". Some things I don't need to experience to know it holds no appeal. I think I have a pretty fair idea of what to expect and it ain't anything I'm interested in. Don't like bars, or sports, or groups of people, or concerts. I went to DC once, wasn't impressed, don't see me doing it again. In fact I'd be perfectly happy if I had a job where I could work from home and I'd rarely leave the farm. I'm not big on change or trying new things, heck, I've had the same haircut for over 30 years.

[BizCT]

Are you a recluse? Lol.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

[covert]

Are you a recluse? Lol.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

Sometimes I think if it wasn't for my wife I probably could be. A guy I work with says "You don't like anyone except your wife your kid and your dog do you?" I always tell him "I don't like dogs; I have a cat."

[Five Seasons]

I am not in favor of tenure. No one should ever be that secure. That is the reason a great deal of people are able to keep there jobs when they should be removed. Removal is still not the end of it. I know of a elementary administrator that was given a police escort off the property with a few of her "belongings". Said administrator turned up 15+ years later on the first day of school to teach one of my wife's classes at College. Every teacher should have an evaluation. There is no logical argument against this.

As much as i think sports are a good thing it needs to be a pay to play situation. You or your parents want you in a sport, put your money where your mouth is. The last town i lived in had a beautiful sports complex but was photocopying books because they didn't have enough. Academics first and foremost once they are top notch then focus on the sports programs.

I agree with you on tenure. And if a school can't afford text books, it shouldn't have a beautiful sports complex. But I wonder about their income from the events. Like I said, a lot of school will actually earn revenue from sports. I'm wondering if there was some corruption (as copying textbooks is illegal).

And pay to play is a joke and you know that. That system means only the rich kids could play, and by far and away the kids that benefit the most from sports are the kids who use it as a means to escape from a troubled home life. But when it comes to private schools, they do pay to play... and learn, and sing and dance. But it's not the same for public schools. I can't believe you made so many good points and ended on that.

Sometimes I think if it wasn't for my wife I probably could be. A guy I work with says "You don't like anyone except your wife your kid and your dog do you?" I always tell him "I don't like dogs; I have a cat."

haha. I'm not into the city life either. I didn't mean for it to sound like I'm telling you to do anything. I'm just saying that it would maybe at least enlighten you and others. I think every catholic should spend a day in the life of a Muslim and vis versa. I think every american should spend a days work in a Chinese factory, I think every rich white kid should spend a day in the ghetto and every anti-American terrorist should spend some time enjoying the freedoms we enjoy.

It's very hard to argue for or against something until you truly understand the other side.

/Gandhi rant

haha

Edited March 11, 2013 by Belo

[covert]

haha. I'm not into the city life either. I didn't mean for it to sound like I'm telling you to do anything. I'm just saying that it would maybe at least enlighten you and others.

I didn't take it that way at all, no worries, I was just pointing out that you're not the first to tell me that.

[sits in trees]

New Yorks educational system has gotten us 200 thousand dollar houses with 12K a year in property/school taxes. Tell me who the hell is gonna buy that? Banks no longer give credit approval on the value of the house but if the prospective buyer can afford the school tax bill or not? Alittle upside down if you ask me.