>But we have shuttered the metal shop and the wood shop.<

The system has come off the rails. We need the kids that shop classes prepared, and the kids need the shops to keep them interested in coming to school.

I am late to this discussion, but it is intuitively obvious to the most casual of observers that there is not going to be any one answer. Some parents may be inspired by tax breaks (payments) to get more involved in the educational process. OK, let's do it. Some kids will be encouraged by reopening shops. OK, let's do it. Teaching to the test is non-productive and destroys teacher morale. OK, let's stop it. Kid's who do not eat a proper breakfast cannot be effective learners. OK, let's start the day by feeding them. Oh yeah, only one problem. All these things cost money and half the nation has pledged never to increase taxes. . . ever. . . for any reason. OK, now let's figure out how we fix that one!