COMMISSION ON TEACHING NEEDS SOME STUDENTS

Another state commission -- this one is the Commission on the future of Teaching -- is hard at work. As part of the new era of reform -- what hasn't been touched by the hands of reforming commissions of late? -- this groups is looking at ways to improve teaching in Missouri. Translation: How can the state spend more money?

This commission is a large one. With about 100 members, it far exceeds the Total Transportation Commission, whose final report not only proposed hefty new spending, but also an increase in the state sales tax. The transportation plan was greeted like a case of heartburn.

What is curious about the teaching commission is that the biggest representation is from colleges and universities. Teachers make up only 15 percent of the commission. And parents? Students? As a group, they are not represented on the commission.

For too long, U.S. education has become more and more dependent on professionals to chart the course of education with less and less reliance on the input of parents.

And students, particularly those who recognize they are being shortchanged in too many situations, could add some convincing data to a commission truly interested in the future of education.

Prediction: When this commission issues its final report, there will be a big price tag. If betting on horses was this easy, everyone in the state would be big-time winners.