I apologize for the length of this post but I'm aggravated and guess I just need to vent to people who understand.

I think I've read the posts of an educator on this board but am not sure. Anyway, if he's here, I have a few questions for him. To all the others, I welcome your input.

Recently a lot has been said about the need for improved math skills in the school systems. Today I read an article in our local newspaper that said when new math requirements are implemented, there will be an increase in dropout rates. The program is supposed to begin first with eighth grade students. He also went on to say that it will not show its effectiveness until about 2013. I'm having problems understanding why an increase in dropout rates when, in times past, Algebra was a requirement for all eighth grade students. What is your thoughts on this?

I have to admit that I'm extremely annoyed that so many of the school systems have dumbed down. As a result, I have a very precious, soon to be 13 year-old, that I don't get to spend quality time with because she is away in The Academy of Math and Sciences. There was no school program here that could challenge her enough. Why doesn't public schools offer advanced curriculums for promising students? She is a member of the International Baccalaureate Program which is a stringent worldwide educational program. In addition to the math and sciences, she has had to learn two foreign languages; she has already aced Spanish and is working on her French.

Three weeks ago she went to math competitions at NASA and science competitions in Orlando. She came out with the highest score in her group. She loves competing against college students and has done extemely well but my question comes back to, "Why can't ALL students in public schools have the same opportunities?" There are so many of them that are not getting a fair shot at being their best because the educational system is holding them back. What can be done? If there ever was a need for stimulus money, it is needed to raise the standard of education in this country.