Why??

Why are educators so under appreciated? Why is it that those who pour their heart and soul into a school in an impoverished area are looked down upon for not teaching in a "better school?" Why is it that Colorado is ranked 48th in the country for designated funds for teacher compensation? Why does this state spend over $500 less per student than the national average? How is it that we allow extraordinarily talented teachers to be discouraged to the point of resignation over state test results? How has it taken this long to realize that we need to measure growth in schools, not just proficiency? Why are schools social and cultural "sorting mechanisms?" Why is it that the vast majority of students are expected to come out of the education system in the social class they came in in? How have we allowed ourselves to surround students with boundaries and expectations that virtually force them down a predetermined path? Why have we had so many productive and innovative thoughts on student interest, opportunity, and achievement for so long, yet have not been able to penetrate the system with them?

Or is it that this is just a very slow process with which we must be patient? 

Lasting change in this structure will not, has not, and cannot happen overnight: but it will happen.