10 replies to this topic

[sheepdog]

I certainly agree with you that a curriculum change is definalty in order. However, getting people to agree to what changes are made is always a huge problem. There seems to be a big push for classes that I personally consider a huge waste of time. Take for example, our own local school district. It had an industrial sewing class in conjunction with a local garment factory, however the program with cut so they could better fund their sports department with more coaches. Now tell me in the real world, how many people are going to go on to become professional athletes, compared to the number that are going to end up working in a factory? Why on earth would you not want to expose the kids to what is going on in the real world, not some imaginary rosy perfect world? The same holds true for many other things that children should be taught at school. Things that would actually help them during their lives. I think they should spend a lot more time teaching them the proper way to write a check and balance their check books. And it should be explained to them just exactly how much that pretty sweater is really going to cost them when they purchase it with a credit card and pay 30% interest on that credit card.

Your idea on being strict and not passing the children if they don't learn is right on! So many kids get flushed threw the system and passed on when they aren't learning a bloody thing, just because it might damage their poor little ego's to be flunked. All this does is set up bad habits for their future, why put forth any effort when you get want ever you want handed to you for doing nothing? I say flunk 'em if they don't learn. Keep them in whatever grade they are in until they learn. If teachers are paying attention, they should realize that certain students need additional help. There is no excuse for missing it. And no excuse for letting it slide without doing something about it. And it should have to cost a fortune of taxpayers money to fix the problem. Have some of the brighter student tutor the slower ones. Give the bright ones exta credit for helping.

And believe it or not, (bet you thought you'd never hear me say this) your right about not blaming the government. The parents should be aware of what is going on in their schools, and take a vocal and active part in the curriculum and everything that is being taught to their children. Don't just hand off your kids to the government and expect them to do all the work. Because quite frankly, the government is not capable of raising children.