Quote Originally Posted by GeoFisher View Post
I'm not a teacher, but do have a dog in this fight.

First.......I COMPLETELY AGREE with what you are saying......we've dumbed down our requirements........We now teach to pass a TEST, not to TEACH a curriculum.....if that makes sense.

My daughters.....both in high school and both pretty good students, learn a lot about reading, writing, and math, but have VERY LIMITED exposure to history, and specifically AMERICAN HISTORY.......most history classes they are exposed to have LEFT WING nutjobs teaching them, and they get nothing but............well LEFT WING propaganda.......

Second.........the BIGGEST problem I see in this country is the fact that not everyone is cut out to be a college graduate, or to enter the workforce as doctors, lawyers, IT professionals, nurses, etc, etc, etc.

We no longer teach shop, welding, metal work, small engine repair, automotive, etc, etc, in ANY high schools.......these are valuable skills, and SHOULD be offered.......

AND along those lines......we have outsourced pretty much ALL of our manufacturing to somewhere else to get it cheaper.

I don't know what the answers are, but I hope, we can get a handle on this and start moving in the right direction.

Finally.........if there is anything that can come out of this economy.........maybe, just maybe some new NON union manufacturing will crop up, and MAYBE, just MAYBE, we can start building some stuff here.

Later,

Geo
I thik it varies from place to place concerning the quality of education students recieve. I think the biggest problem with public schools are the lack of parent involvement, that is why I am extremely pleased to see most of you take such an active role in your childs educaion. I have been working in schools for the past 10 years, and I agree - the test are only form of accountability - and therefore it runs the show. I strongly disagree with this. However, many schools, especailly those with strong leaderships will excel, not only in education offered, but programs offered. The fact is that kids do have options. I currently work at a vocational technical center as part of our highschool where programs range from computer engineering, construction, auto body / tech., to an advanced welding program. So the programs are available.

Bug - education is currently undergoing alot of changes due to budget crunches and economical issues, and unfortunately the first to go are the advanced or gifted programs - but you as a parent have every right to insist and/or demand that your childs educational needs are met. Attend your local school board meetings - you will be surprised what you may accomplish. Most if not all school board members have a child within that system and have the same feelings you do - although they may not be vocal about it.

The primary goals of most schools (especially rural schools) is to prevent drop-out rates. As far as "dumbing" down the standards - that could not be farther from the truth. We now have national standards that require a level of competency among students, specifically in the area of Math and Science. I am somewhat against these, as it causes schools to require the same level of expectations for all students - including your special education students as well as your gifted students. No Child Left Behind brought all of this about. This causes the students that excel and meet those students to be somewhat left behind - they have met the national goal, so why do anything else. They also require students that have no ambition to go to college, or those that would rather learn a skilled trade to be subject to the exact same educational standards. So the programs have begun to be streamlined to ensure all students can meet the same standards, rather than offer a variety of programs to suit a variety of needs. The meeting of these national standards brought on by NCLB, has consumed every district not only in this state but all states. I work in the district I do now, because I agree with the programs they offer - we are not limitting ourself to the pre-college curriculum as most of the state schools have now gone to (that and it is 5 minutes from KY lake).

George, you are right too. It is odd, most history teachers are liberal (I don't know why). Most Science teachers are conservative (???). That being said, most I know keep their own ideas and political agendas out of the classroom. I am sure there are a few bad apples either way you look at it. I do know that I know many educators that have always voted republican, that have recently voted Democrat strictly based on NCLB and republican education agendas. NCLB may look good on paper, however, in practice it is extremely flawed, and Republican Politicians seem to think it is great. You do know that two of my least favorite politicians came up with that - G.W. Bush and Ted Kennedy (Scary duo there).

I can give you all a few hints on being heard at your local board meetings. Call your board of education and find out when they are having meetings - most meet at least once a month. Have yourself put on the agenda for the upcoming meeting - so they must alot time for you and to hear your concerns on programming. They won't make immediate changes - but you will start to draw support from other fellow parents. Call monthly a week or two before the meeting and repeatedly have yourself added to that agenda. You all pay local property taxes, and therefore have a right to be an active part of the board of Ed. meetings.