"CA has the highest teacher salaries in the nation, but the second lowest math and reading test scores in the nation? (source: WSJ)"

That certainly doesn't disprove the theory that higher salaries correspond to higher test scores! There could certainly be other factors which, if removed, would immediately propel California test scores to the upper ranks. And it is entirely possible, and even probable, that lower CA salaries would result in even lower test scores over time.

I was educated entirely in public schools, in England early on, and entirely in California subsequently. My scores and grades suggest a very high quality education. BTW - I signed up for "The Official SAT Question of the Day™"
(link below), two years ago, and answer a math or English question every morning. I'm thrashing the averages - averages which include the scores of a great many students from private and religious schools, I'm sure.

My parents were helpful in encouraging me to read, but other than that played virtually no role in my education. I'm forever grateful to my high-quality unionized public school teachers. And, no, mine were by no means affluent school districts; but perhaps they were more affluent than current district averages.

Mike W.

Mike W.