(Thumbnail image: Los Angeles Times)

It's a showdown across the nation in more than 30 states with education on one side and budget cuts on the other.  Students and teachers say the cost of education has sky rocketed while the quality has plummeted.


The center of the storm is the California public school system. After more than a $1 billion in budget cuts, educators tell CBS in San Francisco and CNN -- students and schools are in dire straits.

"You've got to find other places to make the cuts, it should not be at the expense of the kids"

"Many are being turned away because they simply can't afford to go. But in addition to that, the system itself, because it doesn't have enough resources, is turning away 40,000 this is just in the California state university system, qualified students, this is not good for the state and it doesn't bode well for the future."

And the problem doesn't end with students. A first grade teacher tells HLN she's expected to teach more students with less resources.  

"Our teachers really work hard, because we have had such great success. It's hard for them, they are staying here longer and they are in fear of what's next."  "It's very hard for all the children to learn when you have a stressed teacher."

While educators have been quick to mobilize, California's Missionlocal blog says student reactions have been mixed.

"Students ranged from apathetic to inspired. Some appeared keen on using the protest as an excuse to stay home and watch TV, while others were actively engaging with fellow students to promote the rally."

An education consultant tells Seattle's KIRO radio -- protestors have a point, but they're fighting a losing battle.

"I understand why people are protesting because the economy is down for everyone, but it is also down for the state so their hands are kind of tied also."

Do you think these protests will be effective? Will education weather this perfect financial storm?