Losing proposition
Editorial
California Gov. Gray Davis thought the idea was so bold and so unprecedented it would be hailed throughout the state and gain national attention in the bargain. Who could oppose exempting public school teachers from the state's income tax? As it turns out, just about everybody -- even teachers. It was a lousy idea. Davis and aides were convinced they had masterminded a political coup. They spent months working out details in secret and determining the best time to spring the proposal on the public. It created a stir all right but not the kind Davis expected. In short order, state lawmakers of both parties dubbed it bad principle and worse policy. Teachers unions said forget exemptions and give us raises. Gray may well have viewed the exemption as a way to appease an education lobby increasingly critical of his administration. The oft-repeated complaint was that school spending is not increasing fast enough. Moreover, Gray has vetoed bills directed at undermining Proposition 227, the 1998 law which drastically limited bilingual education. Though he opposed the law, he has insisted it be carried out. Spanish-language instruction is restricted to one year in most cases. The decline of California's system of education is nothing short of tragic. Once the premier performer among the states, today its grade and high school students are near-bottom in test scores and the great majority of its university enrollees need remedial reading and math. This in a state whose high-tech industries lead the world. There are bright spots. Tests given in spring 1999 showed a sharp rise in scores among children in early grades -- those most affected by Proposition 227's emphasis on mastering English. A switch in reading instruction, from whole language to phonics, has helped. Such gimmicks as income tax exemptions had no role in the achievement. If Gray can mastermind a renaissance in California education, he'll have all the acclaim he wants. |