S.H. 4/17/05 - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: Apr 17, 2005

S.H. 4/17/05

Date: Apr 17, 2005

Another interesting quote:

"So we're still fighting an uneven system, and education is harder to change because the problem with education in Mississippi is, to a large extent, the same problem in America. There's something not working. We're not, we don't, maybe it's because, I don't know. I won't try to discribe in this discussion why I think education where it is, but our children are not doing as well educationally as they should, maybe it's because they watch too much TV, maybe because parents aren't involved enough, maybe because we've taken discipline out of school, maybe cause, you know, the curriculum is not what it should be. I don't know. But probably all of the above. But at least we're trying to figure ways to do a better job."

Date: Apr 17, 2005

"...........I tried to find niches at our universities ...........At the University of Southern Mississippi it's the polymer science center (and) the center for economic development and entrepreneurship; it's the technology programs at Mississippi State University; it's the physics accoustics program at Ole Miss............"

But without strong programs in the humanities, the social sciences, and the arts, the so-called "niche" programs identified in this statement would be no more than an empty shell. Starkville, Oxford, and South Mississippi would have no university at all - large trade schools but no real comprehensive university.

Date: Apr 17, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Full of sound and fury
But without strong programs in the humanities, the social sciences, and the arts, the so-called "niche" programs identified in this statement would be no more than an empty shell.

The ED program is the perfect example of an empty shell. More like a shell game. It is going to be very interesting to see how a program based on gathering pork barrel money develops over time. There is a dilemma between what now exists and what, under the best of circumstances, would be something academically credible. It can't be credible under current management and the current management is bulletproof. The resolution may be the destruction of standards in COB in order to make ED look like it's doing something. This might be what HB has in mind when he keeps referring to Universities as "gold mines." This may mean gold mines for favored local businesses who obtain access to free business consulting services. Sold to the public as "economic development."

Date: Apr 17, 2005

The good senator did not include USM's long standing teacher training tradition on his niche list?

Date: Apr 17, 2005

I hereby declare that NITchampburg be renamed NICHEchampburg!

Date: Apr 17, 2005

Finally Lott spells out the problem. No one has gotten across the fact that quality education is VERY important in Lotts ED program. Lott says that he knows education is important but apparently does not understand that people like Thames go for the money without truly understanding what goes into quality education and they could care less.

Thames idea of "wurld class" and most educators ideas of world class are not the same. Thames apparently does not understand Lincoln's famous words "You can fool a lot of people some of the time and a few people all of the time." Too bad, because it most certainly does apply to him. Many people are beginning to see through Thames education sham (SACS for instance) and understand that under the present administration USM and other state universities will be no more effective than a junior college in teaching important subjects, such as English, history, arts, etc. required to bring in quality business such as the Eastern schools have. The junior colleges do an excellent job up to a point but now days it takes much more education as evidenced by people going on to graduate levels. While businesses may not try to locate near a university they do look at the overall education quality in the state and also the cultural aspects that a university brings to the table. A small city having a university to furnish a good curtural environment could easily tip the scales when a business is attempting to relocate families.

What is happening in pre-K through 12 is also important and the cracks in the program are being discovered now. The answer is all but ready to go to press.

Letters to Sen. Lott about the damage being done to USM and his economic development are important. It is also important to let him know the damage done to our teachers in a number of departments. For instance, you cannot have a teaching environment in a university without a top notch English dept. such as the one Thames just destroyed. Past efforts are getting through to our Senators, but we need to really speed up our letter efforts. Newspaper clippings also are important in showing the damage. The folks in Washington tend to rely on the local newspapers and the people that they know to furnish reliable information. In spite of what most people think -- Washington is too far away to get a good picture of what is happening here. Letters with clippings are important -and a lot of them!

Date: Apr 17, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Crack in the Liberty Bell Speaks
Lott says that he knows education is important but apparently does not understand that people like Thames go for the money without truly understanding what goes into quality education and they could care less.

Crack,

I very sincerely hope that you are right and the TL is just ignorant about the nature of the administration at USM. However, anyone that has spent decades in the ethical swamp of D.C. should have developed a "nose" for a certain type person that sees public institutions as a source of personal gain. I fear otherwise, but I hope I'm wrong.

Date: Apr 17, 2005

Coal Bin: I got this information first hand from a high up Washington friend. The Senators have to rely on information from other people such as our student president Cain and other sources. That is one of the reasons such care was taken to smear the reputation of some of the departments from the very beginning. It was not just for the Hattiesburg businesses but other political contacts as well. That way no one would pay much attention to professors complaints. This should explain a lot of things if you think about it. While this is true, even if it were not letters and newspaper clippings will help considerably.

Date: Apr 17, 2005

Crack,

Thanks for your reply. The politicos are frequently "out of it" to some extent on local issues. I wish I knew which member of TLs staff had his ear on education issues. The oldest lobbying trick in the book is to convince the right "staffer". They don't get innundated with emails, etc. and usually have considerable influence. On the other hand some of the staffers may know and are afraid to tell. The truth in the case of ED isn't pretty. A brand new facility sitting vacant.

Date: Apr 17, 2005

coal bin

I will find out and let you know. It may take a few days to contact the right person to get the information, but I will get back to you.

Date: Apr 17, 2005

Best of luck and best regards, regardless of the search outcome.