Every time I hear some public official talk about how our education system is unfair to minorities, I say, "Right on!"  But then they go on to talk about how to dumb down the curriculum and testing to make it fair and I see red.  Because THAT is what's unfair to minorities - assuming they're so stupid they can't work on the same level as whites.

We live in a society that continually tells blacks and other minorities "You're inferior so we must have quota systems.  We must reduce everything to the lowest common denominator so you can succeed as well as whites."  And we all know that's so much patronizing bullsh*t.  No wonder minorities education statistics are lower than whites - they have all these public figures telling them they can't hack it and making excuses for them.

And why should they put out if they don't have to?  So minorities overwhelmingly vote to keep the racists in office and THAT is unfair to all of us, including blacks and hispanics, who want to be judged on our own merit.

That's what infuriates me the most -- liberal leaders (black or white) who consistently fight for affirmative action policies that just seem to always work against the initial struggle. #I'm sensitive to the plight of others who have faced unnecessary struggles, but there is no way someone could tell me when I was teaching 4th grade that not every kid in that class was on a level playing field. #I am the first to admit parents are the keystone to success in our young people, but no child should go undereducated in the USA. #And that's the pathetic part -- it's happening every day as a result of fluffy "educational" philosophies (which is why I'm not longer teaching).

If you haven't read it yet, pick up a copy of Alan Keyes' book, "Masters of the Dream -- the strength and betrayal of black america". #Great book.

Thanks for reading -- I'll think you'll enjoy my education book (if I EVER finish it -- it's been "done" for a year, but while I've been waiting to find an appropriate publisher, half the issues I've predicted already came true -- so now I have to revamp it!!)

Take care --
TB

(Edited by trevor at 4:10 pm on April 3, 2002)

:clap:
My sentiments exactly! #My mom WAS an elementary school teacher and gave up (after 15 years) because the system is "out of control".
I heard about Alan Keyes' book but have not checked it out as yet...I guess It's time to check it out.


(Edited by yornoc at 4:43 pm on April 4, 2002)

Hello all!

    I would like to clarify one issue here.  I think we ought to be clear if we are making race or class distinctions.  I don't know if our educational system is "racist" but there are certainly class issues.  For a better description and a discussion of standardized testing and race/education related issues, check out the New York Times Sunday Magazine on 4/7/02.  A little verbose, but the author makes some salient points about standardized testing.  A good read!  Especially focus on Mt. Vernon's success story and if this becomes the model, "inequitable" education may be a thing of the past.  Also, keep in mind the implications of an educational system that tries to equalize iniquity in society by suggesting that "educated" people will be paid more.  i.e., the "garbage man" with a Ph.D. making $8/hr, what does this suggest for people pursuing an education for career advancement?

Regards to all!

I don't believe our educational systems are racist...to me that's a term that is thrown around WAY to nonchalantly in society.  There are certainly class differences within our schools, but that is a direct reflection of society.  It's to be expected.  There are a lot of corollary issues surrounding class distinctions in schools, such as School A grading "tougher" on kids than those at School B.  But these differences are not causes of our problems, merely consequences.  These differences, however, would not manifest into more severe problems if the same expectations were required of each and every student.  

When administrators and teachers begin "identifying" reasons (i.e., excuses) for why "some" children can learn and "others" cannot, we fall into a virtual downward spiral of inconsistency within all schools.  Teachers have to be expected to be able to uphold consistent academic and behavioral policies; in reality, however, principals often habitually "victimize" students who they perceive to fall into a particular category.  I've taught homeless children who were B students and perfectly capable kids who were so lazy they got Fs.  Students must make the choices to succeed, and schools must provide for them avenues to make smart decisions.  But until they stop using societal differences as scapegoats for our childrens' weaknesses instead of understanding that inefficencies in decision making are the cause of our school's problems, very little will change and we'll continue to graduate illiterate kids.

TB

Trevor has an interesting opinion about what was stated about America's educational system.   I would like to know where he got his statistics from, especially about the asian communities.  I would like to add that the cultural values of asian cultures and european cultures shares similar values in education and religion.  There might be some indirect correlation between the cultural values and beliefs handed down generation after generation and our academic achievements in both socioeconomic american subcultures.  I have yet to read a case study of any sociologist confirming or denying the allegations of similarities between eastern and western cultures that would indicate an indirect correlation.  But test scores are only a scholastic measurement tool.  
My question is: Why would researchers try to accomodate students?
Sounds like a way to improve a business, not an educational institution.  Lowering test scores could create a larger amount of little white kids with higher test scores, as well as little black kids, little hispanic kids, little Indian, and little asian kids?  Come on, we all know what inflated educational test scores mean.

Exactly! #Hence the "dumbing down" of every aspect of our educational systems. #We're not concerned with kids' actual achievement -- we're concerned with giving the IMPRESSION that they are achieving. #Which is why some states (including MD now) are starting to experiment with exit exams in HS. #Well, VA just did it two years ago, and guess what? #7% (that's right, SEVEN) of students passed...so what happens now? #Don't graduate 93% of the seniors, or just lower the bar to make it look like they are learning more? #We know that answer -- it's pathetic -- what good is saying you want a 70% pass rate and when 40% of the kids fail if you're going to say 40% is "acceptable" just so 70% can pass? #(I know, not consistent stats, but it makes the point).

As far as Asians performing well on these tests, it is more explainable b/c they all have the same religion, and likewise, educational, moral, and familial expectations. #That is my point in the article when I say the we SHOULD expect differences between ethnic groups.

Last night, Bill O'Reilly showed the lates census report, and 66% of all black kids are fatherless...and we wonder if there is disconnect between that fact and a lack of achievement in the school?? #

We are too afraid to discuss realistic issues in this country for the fear of 'offending' someone, but the brutal truth is that we will only continue to harm the kids if this continues. #Standardized tests are still an effective measure of student accomplishment, but look at all the debate over eliminating the SAT!! #We're going to get rid of one of the only unbiased predictors of student ability b/c some groups perform more poorly than others. #They have already dumbed the SAT down to where it may no longer be useful in the future. #We are so hellbent on desensitizing everyone and trying to make this country one interesting shade of gray that we shouldn't be surprised if no one is able to think for themselves 20 years from now.

(Edited by trevor at 2:00 pm on April 12, 2002)

Trevor might make a point.  Maybe we can  measure how students are doing after graduating high school within the last few years.  We often look to the prestigious Ivy league colleges as role models for all colleges.  A news article I read today about Yale University proposing to felonious drug offenders private financial aid despite federal law denying financial assistance to drug offenders.  Maybe our education system should be reviewed in more detail by the proper agencies.  This link should take you to the ABC news article I have just read.
http://www.abcnews.go.com/sections/us/DailyNews/yaledrugs020412.html

In a related article, 16 year old Brandy French dies after taking extasy at a concert.  My guess is Yale indirectly condones the sale of drugs to minors.  Should we feel the same way Yale does about future degree-seeking students with prior drug convictions?  The articles were both found at the ABC news website toaday.
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/2020/DailyNews/2020_ecstasydeath_020412.html

I'm not racist, but if the black kids are behind(I'm saying that they are) shouldn't we bring them up in the system, and not bring the system down to them!!  I was reading in the Maryland Indepent that more white parents are starting to teach there kids at home, and the board of ed. can't figure it out. I have 2 little ones and I'm worried about there ed. in Charles county schools.  I think the county needs to be doing more for the kids that can't keep, weather there black, white, or any other color!!!  But that's just my opinion!!

Missi, if you are a stay at home mom, I'd highly recommend you homeschool.  It's not as hard as most people think.

Thanks Christy, right now my 3 year old is in a private school, and my other son is 20 months, so he will be next year.  But I'm thinking about it!!!

I support home schooling for anyone who has the time, and more importantly the motivation, to do it.  There are tutors available that can help in specific subjects if need be, and with the vouchers rally started, I think you ought to push for a stipend so you can buy books and other materials with the money.  As I've written in earlier articles, vouchers are certainly not the 'be all end all' to solving our educational problems, but there's no reason we should punish parents and their kids for finally identifying all the malfunctions in some of our current educational systems.

Social promotion is nothing more than affirmative action at the public school level, and it is the most self-effacing program any district could implement.  We constantly see schools rewarding failure, and then they turn around and brag about how they're holding kids to high standards!

We need more than lip service in public schools, and Missi is correct when she says that we should bring all kids up to a level of achievement, and not bring the system down to them.  We can try to snowjob kids into thinking they're accomplishing their academic requirements all we want by giving the impression they've succeeded by just passing them along, but if our public schools don't point out weaknesses and the need for more effort, sooner or later society will.

TB

missi, I'm not surprised that there are many white parents who are home-schooling. Some of it may be racism, sure. But I think many more parents are choosing home schooling based on their religious beliefs. Home-schooling is strong among fundamentalist believers, most of whom are white.

I was looking into home schooling for my daughter. It is incredibly hard to find information on home schooling that doesn't reflect a religious viewpoint. I believe in God, but I don't believe that evolution is part of some conspiracy by scientists and intellectuals to destory religion.

Trevor, what do you think of this idea: Thin the educational bureaucracy. Except for the superintendent, take all the degreed educators out of the central offices and put them back in the classrooms. My theory is that all the blather about standards comes from people who haven't been in front of a class in years. Since you used to teach, you realize that good teachers know what works. The fewer desk drivers interfering with the front-line teachers, the better.

Tonio,

I'm not sure were you live, but you can call your Board Of Education and they will help you, and give you the stuff.  My mother-in-law home schooled my brother-in-law and she used to get her stuff from the board!!!  We live in Charles, but I'm sure it's the same were you live!!!

Thanks for your help, missi! I have a couple of years before my daughter is ready for school, so I'm planning ahead. The local BOE would have access to home-schooling curricula?

Tonio,

You hit the nail on the head by suggesting we thin the bureaucracy...that is likely THE biggest problem with schooling, outside of the main issues in the classroom.

Have you ever spoken with anyone who works in the board of ed in DC? #New computers every year or two, and God knows where all the federal funding goes from the national level on down. #During Clinton's reign, there is a documented $300 M that has not been accounted for. #So, with that suggestion, you are dead-on, my friend. #The sad thing is, what are the chances we can do anything at the federal level?

What we can do is concentrate on local issues first. #Too many people who want to buck the system have just as much say as those who want realistic issues addressed in schools -- such as the need for facts-based education, adherence to actual standards of attendance, promotion, etc.
Just look at Kensington, MD, where TWO parents didn't want Santa to come rolling down the street in a parade -- TWO! #The vocal minority has the voice today, and the sad thing is that we see what's happening...but we do nothing about it #-- #except write articles and complain in these forums! #:) #But this is a start.

Parents need to demand standards in schools -- if a kid is misbehaving every day, we need parents who stand up for all the kids who want to learn and have that kid removed. #We've got too many principals who want to "save" the kid who's causing all the problems, at the expense of every other kid who won't learn a thing b/c the teacher has no time to teach. #I refused to deal with that crap in the room, and I was the "bad guy" for having 3 kids in the hallway while I taught math. #It seems like a fairly easy situation for me -- I'll sacrifice 3 kids anyday who don't want to learn in the first place if that means 27 others will learn how to multiply. #There are innumerable situations and examples I can give on that one. #The funny thing is though, once you have a no BS approach to teaching, you notice not too many kids tend to push the envelope anymore.

You're right -- good teachers need to be left to teach. #Bad ones have to go. #I have some ideas on how to accomplish that in my book (that isn't published yet). #If you'd like me to send you a sample chapter on this, just write me at my e-mail on either of my sites (bothwell@erols.com will work).

Education is very complex b/c there's always someone who has a different point of view and wants to get his/her way - but everything is like that. #And until we get straight where our priorities lie, which in my view is teaching kids, we shouldn't be surprised if they can't read in HS. #Just an aside, isn't it funny that MD colleges are adopting college reading programs that are mandatory?!! #Can you believe kids are getting out of HS that can't read??? #That's right, though, let's try and fix a symptom of our problem instead of getting right at the problems in the first place!

TB

(Edited by trevor at 6:55 pm on April 15, 2002)

Good stuff, trevor. Did you read about the Santa rally in Kensington? Most of the people there had the right spirit. But some bigoted bonehead brought a sign reading "If Jews can ban Santa, why can't we ban Jews?" What in the name of all that's good and decent did Jews or Jewishness have to do with it? One enterprising teen-ager attempted to destory the sign and was arrested for his trouble.

Tonio,

I pretty sure they would have it!  I was reading in the Maryland Independant last wens., they had an article about home schooling.  And they said that you could contact the B.O.E. for information.  I'm sure they could lead you in a direction!  Glad to be of some help!!! :dance:

Missi,

I did not hear about that in particular.  But we all know there are ignoramuses (ignorami?) everywhere.  I don't know if the people who actually complained were Jewish, but I know several Jewish people who have Christmas trees during Christmas.  National Review Online's Jonah Goldberg has actually quipped in one of his articles that when he was a kid, they used to hang a sign on their tree that said, "Santa knows we're Jewish".  I thought that was funny...

TB

did you know protestants started the public education systems?  Catholics were the first in america to privatize their education.
Seriously, children are going to turn 18.  Trevor, thinning out the administration is a terrible suggestion.  If anything, the fiscal budget should be reviewed, as well as the teacher student ratio.  The adminstration does the best they can, given their limitations.  This area has a lot of parents who choose to send their children to public school.   But your opinion about weeding out the bad teachers is a good idea.  Don't they already do that?  

But your opinion about weeding out the bad teachers is a good idea. #Don't they already do that? #

I have heard of cases where teacher unions put up hellacious fights whenever school boards attempted to remove teachers for incompetence or misconduct. I don't know if that has happened here. Trevor, do you have any more details?

Hawk:
I never suggested thinning the administration; I said that we need to remove so much of the bureaucracy from the system. #There is very little oversight and accountability with regard to federal funding.

As for teacher/student ratio, don't let yourself be hosed by the liberal gobbledygook that schools pump out regarding why kids "can't" learn. #I used to control 65 students per class when we combined classrooms for certain events. #Some teachers can't control 6 at a time. #If you demand respect and behavior you'll usually get it. #But that doesn't matter if you have administrators who don't support the teachers or establish effective behavioral strategies in the school.

And I certainly do not agree that some school administrators do the best they can (well, let me think...I've met some pretty stupid administrators). #Our focus is NOT on academics anymore, it's about "self-esteem". #I guess we should give credit to the schools where they've succeeded. #But self-esteem doesn't get you as far in this world as does knowing how to read or divide.

Oh, and saying I can't hang with Ken King -- shame on you.

Tonio:
Actually, it can cost a school district up to 200,000 to remove an ineffective teacher from the classroom with all the fees incurred through litigation with teachers unions, etc. #That's why it's so hard to do it.

Tenure was intended to be a good thing so admins couldn't fire a great teacher who's making 50K a year just so they can cut the budget by hiring new teachers that they can pay 28K. #But we all know what happens when teachers get lazy/burned out and become professional check collectors. #Teachers and principals should be evaluated on merit, and not stupid merit pay programs (I have a good section in the book on that too). #Teachers and admins should be observed every month by qualified supervisors. #This may be highly subjective, but so's an eval at McDonald's. #Only increased documentation and effective observance will help us get rid of sloths in the classroom.



(Edited by trevor at 12:17 pm on April 18, 2002)


(Edited by trevor at 12:19 pm on April 18, 2002)

Okay, sorry about the King thing.  And I think I understand your logic about the administration.  Never thought about it that way.  
Anyways, I saw this in abc news tonight.  This is just sad.  
http://www.abcnews.go.com/sections/us/DailyNews/desegregation020423.html

This author of this article should never have published it.  It still doesn't make any sense, and I have read it several times.  

I don’t think home schooling is the answer because it deprives the child of learning socialization skills with other children.  Some of my best memories from when I was a child were at school.  How would they learn this at home?

BL on 12:07 pm on April 25, 2002[br]I don’t think home schooling is the answer because it deprives the child of learning socialization skills with other children.# How would they learn this at home?

Play groups, sports activities, playing with the neighborhood children, other siblings, etc., just to name a few. #What specific socialization skills can you get "only" from attending a public/private school?

Sharon,

Those are all great activities.  While all the other kids are going to school, the home schooled child will be sitting at home.  Then he or she will wonder why they are not going to school.  Are you going to tell them the reason they don’t go to school is because the school system sucks?  To answer your question. The activities you mentioned are great but you are not going to get the day in and day out structured schedule and routine that the other kids get from school.   IE: no P.E., lunch with your friends, study hall, field trips, riding a bus, or recess).  Also, learn how to interact with other children in a learning environment.  I think a home schooled child would also be more sheltered and have a more difficult time adjusting to society once his or her schooling was complete.

BL on 1:55 pm on April 25, 2002[br]Sharon,
#While all the other kids are going to school, the home schooled child will be sitting at home. #Then he or she will wonder why they are not going to school.

:confused: #They are doing their school work at home, not sitting around wondering, watching cartoons, or goofing off all day.

Are you going to tell them the reason they don’t go to school is because the school system sucks?

No, don't be silly. #Public schools and teachers are not all the same. #There are good ones and bad ones. #Some parents have a vested interest in their child's education, they want them to succeed. #This doesn't always happen in the public school system. #(Ex: #teaching to the test, outcome-based education, how come some graduates are illiterate?) #When parents take the time and expense to teach their own children they know what they're learning, where the difficulties are, they are giving the child personal instruction all day vs. a few minutes of the teacher's time (if they are lucky).
#
The activities you mentioned are great but you are not going to get the day in and day out structured schedule and routine that the other kids get from school. # IE: no P.E., lunch with your friends, study hall, field trips, riding a bus, or recess).

Of course their day is structured, it is just different. #They are not stuck into a crowded classroom all day. #Learning can take place anywhere and everywhere if you are creative. #They can have field trips with other homeschooled children.

#I think a home schooled child would also be more sheltered and have a more difficult time adjusting to society once his or her schooling was complete.


I don't believe so. #While, in certain cases it may be true, but there are plenty of "schooled" children who don't adjust to society either. #You can tell who these children are in the classroom because they are constantly taking up the teacher's time by disrupting the class. #In high school, some children can take college courses and get both credits. #Certain employers go out of their way to find these individuals for jobs after graduation.

Just my two cents but we always thought all the "home-schooled" kids in our area were one of two things: Amish or retarded. I'm not saying this is the case, as it certainly isn't, but there's a stigma to it. I certainly would NEVER homeschool my kids. I feel it would put them at a huge disadvantage having to interact with the other 99% of society that actually went to school.

I would give anything to be able to homeschool.  I did it for a few months while also working full time.  It was a great experience not only for myself but my kid.  The whole socialization aspect is BS!  My son hung out with and played with the kids in the neighorhood, and his other friends he's had for years that he never met in school.  Him and his best friend have never been in school together.  There are so many folks in this county that homeschool you never run out of "group functions".  Homeschooled kids in general are exposed to a lot more fun and interesting things than public school kids.  One of the coolest chics I've ever met was homeschooled for the better part of her life.  She's the most talented and "together" individual I've met in a long time (other than Vrai! ;) )

# I hated school. And I have only been out 5 years. #And just since then the system has changed. #At with home school, you can make it fun and you can teach the real history. #Not the politicaly correct history crap that they are teaching now. Home schooled children are way more smarter then public kids. Plus the child gets that one on one attention that kids these days so badly need! If I had the patience to do it, I would (plus I'm not smart enough :confused:) Kids in school are too busy tring to keep up with the trend and what's in (I know I did), that they don't care about learning anymore.  Not to mention more likely to get into drugs and trouble.  My brother-in-law was home schooled and he is very social.

(Edited by missi1013 at 9:56 pm on April 25, 2002)

Christy and I have our own little Mutual Admiration Society going on. :smile:

Homeschooled kids tend to have a different outlook than public school kids - they are taught to actually think rather than just read and regurgitate.  The most fascinating and insightful conversation I ever had about religion was with a 10 year old homeschooler.  We combat public school methods every day in our house.

And while we're on a rant here, I'd sure like to know what the schools are doing with all my tax money.  They're in deplorable condition, the bathrooms look like war zones, no walls for the classrooms, parents have to pay for supplies like paper, pencils, books, etc.  Where is all that money going?  In Maryland the average expenditure per student is about $7000 per year.  Where is this money going?  Because it's sure not going for so much as paper supplies in the restrooms or even toilets that flush.  We even have to pay $5 a head to get into my daughters' class plays and chorus events.  The PTA is constantly having fundraisers for things like field trips, classroom equipment and books.  Again I ask, if parents have to pay for all this out of pocket, what are they doing with my tax money?

Christy and I finally wisened up to the fact that for all of our good intentions, home-schooling was just not in the cards for us right now. So instead, we pay $1,000 a month for private school, and also tax on the SMC school system.

I went through PS whatever, just like most. I was fotunate enough to go to Catholic (yik!) school for the last five years of my education, and I did well.

Right?

But I agree with vrai. What is the friggin $7,000 going towards? When our son was in public school, the principal wouldn't even answer direct questions during our one-on-one sessions.

I guess she was too busy...

The only problem I see with public schools is the fact that their hands are tied when it comes to disciplining a child.  Half of the time when a kid gets in trouble and the teacher takes the appropriate steps to rectify the situation.  The parent or parents usually believe their little Johnny couldn’t have done such a thing and usually takes the kids side and fights the school instead of disciplining the child themselves.  Which leaves the teacher hung out to dry.  

BL on 8:27 am on April 29, 2002[br]The only problem I see with public schools is the fact that their hands are tied when it comes to disciplining a child.#

The only problem??? :confused: #Do you really believe this? #C'mon it seems like with zero tolerance, kids can be suspended on the spot for just about anything. #One of the funniest was when a child pointed a chicken finger at someone in the cafeteria and said, "Bang!".

Sharon,

You have a good point.  It does seem like some of these school boards are getting carried away with this zero tolerance crap and not using common sense.  I have heard of girls getting suspended for having a nail file.  That is a bit ridiculous.  My mother has been a schoolteacher for 40 years.  She tells me stories about parents that would rather fight with her or the principal than discipline their child.

Actually, the problem begins with suspension. Teachers no longer deal with disciplinary problems at the root cause. Instead, they send the child home under suspension. Wash their hands, so to speak...

When I went through school during 74-86, I was terrified of most of my teachers, especially in the early years. Suspension was reserved for the really "uncontrollable". Usually, a stern warning or a shift at detention was good enough for most of us ruffians. Those that wouldn't listen got the dreaded punishment of a rap on the knuckles, or holding books in the air with arms outstretched. When I went to school, ending just 16 years ago, you didn't f* around. Period.

Now the courts, and the unions, and the teachers themselves, have decided that disciplining children is not their responsibility. I see it myself all the time, even in my own son. Watch an episode of the "hip" show 'Boston Public' and you'll see how different it is from, say, '21 Jump Street' or 'Welcome Back Cotter'!

Innocence in school is gone. And teachers and the unions have allowed it to happen! So much for P.S. 101...

Oh! I forgot to add the litigious nature of parents today. The thinking that it's not little Johnny causing problems, but the school system, will ultimately undermine our society more than any foreign power ever has!!

As I said in another post: the little bast*rds need discipline! Who will give it...?

Back in the early 90's I worked for the attorneys who represented the Board of Eduction of PG County.  You cannot believe the lawsuits filed against the teachers and schools.  This was on a daily basis and not just one or two a day.  We only hear of the big lawsuits.  The teachers' and administrators hands' are tied for the most part which is what has brought about these across-the-board suspensions and zero tolerance.    Parents prefer to place the blame on someone other than their llittle darlings.  While I agree that there are "issues" with all school systems, many children today have no respect for each other, much less the teachers and school workers -- and that is the responsibility of the parent(s).  

The parents that homeschool their children are probably the same families whose children do well in public school because the parents take the time to be involved.  My children did fairly well in the Calvert school system but I stayed involved.  

Cattitude,

"Parents prefer to place the blame on someone other than their llittle darlings. While I agree that there are "issues" with all school systems, many children today have no respect for each other, much less the teachers and school workers -- and that is the responsibility of the parent(s)."


I agree with you 100%.  That was the point I was making in a previous post.  I didn’t know that it has gotten that bad.

BL, there are some things I will place blame on the school system and some things I will place blame on my kids.  My kids behavior is HIS  responsibility, and there is no wiggle room for him there.  I don't care who did what first, he gets to take responsibility for his part.  What I will blame the school for is the lack of education my son got the entire time he was there.  And it's not one public school in particular.  It's all of them.  They spent more time in meetings trying to convince us he needed to be stuck on Ritalin, than teaching.  They also chose to ignore the fact that he's dyslexic, not ADHD.  Their own tests showed that he was dyslexic, but chose to ignore that and recommend he be taken to a doctor to be assessed as ADHD.  What a crock!  I call that sheer laziness on the part of the school system, as it is not an easy task teaching a dyslexic.  It is very easy to drug them up so they keep quiet and don't bother the teacher with questions.  Almost every parent I've spoken to who has a boy in public schools has been approached at one time or another to have "little Johnny" stuck on Ritalin.  

You know, as a side, one mistake parents make is to talk badly about their kids teacher or school in front of them.  That plant a seed in their little brains that they can get away with more crap since Mommy and Daddy don't like them anyway, kinda gives them the okay in their brain to screw off.  I don't think I trashed my kids school in front of him until he was out of it, and in  a private school, where he himself saw a huge difference.

You know, its real easy to sit back on your computer and bash the educational system from your armchair.  There are good teachers and bad teachers.  There are good kids and bad kids, good parents and bad.  To classify all schools together as bad isn't fair.

Christy-  If your kid's public school was that bad, its a good thing you pulled him out and put him in a private school.   Good for you.

Teachers are overworked, underpaid and under- appreciated in our society.  All they get is sh!t from people because their kid isn't getting straight "A's".  Guess what!?  Most kids are average and only deserve a "C"!  So what?!

EL, every public school my kid was in was that bad!  From Hawaii, to Texas, to Maryland.  It's quite possible that I have too high an expectation of what my tax dollars should be going towards.  I'm not putting all of the blame on the teachers, actually just about 1/4, as their hands are essentially tied when it comes to how they can teach these days.  There have been many of my kids teachers who knew that what and how they were forced to teach was crap, and did zero for educating any kid, muchless a dyslexic kid.  Sad thing is, my kid got good grades.  The real sad thing is, he didn't learn squat!  They spend way too much time socially experimenting on this kids, rather than educating them.  Our family is full of teachers and every single one of them said the best thing we could ever do for him was to get him out of the public school system.  I agree.  

Public schools are a wasteland, and if you don't take the time to "re-educate" your kid after they come home from public school every day, they become moronic, nonthinking, little sheeple that have a real hard time functioning in the real world.

Christy,

I commend you for making your child take responsibility for his on actions.  The point I was making is that a lot of parents don’t.  As far as all public schools suck!  I think EL1 pretty much covered my thoughts on that.  I also agree that a lot of teachers push Ritalin too much.  I think it should be a last resort.  I would agree that private schools are for the most part better.  I guess you get what you pay for.  

BL, unfortunately I'm paying twice!  Taxes and tuition!  Friggin bummer.

I went to an IEP program meeting at the local public school to discuss our child's progress in the program. It was attended by the Principal, the Vice, my son's teacher, his tutor, the child psychologist, his reading therapist, the school's IEP coordinator, and me.

They went around the table discussing all the "positive" aspects of his IEP stint, about how well he was doing in the program, but they finally decided to recommend that he would benefit from another year of IEP.

I started asking questions and was IMMEDIATELY cut off by the Principal(!) and told that these were questions best asked of his teacher at another time. Bing! Bang! Boom! The meeting was over and I walked out without a bit of advice or knowledge more than I went in with. Other than the fact that my kid "was doing great in the program".

Since then, my son has been home schooled and now goes to private school. The Principal went on to bigger and better things elsewhere. And the IEP coordinator is now the lead curriculum manager. Great! They moved ahead in their careers, and my son still struggles to read and write.

I am so glad the school got it's IEP funding for having my kid's name on it's books! :burning: And they all make extra money for "troubled kids", don't you know?

BTW, that school is Mechanicsville Elementary, today a member of the Governor's "Forward Maryland" project of notable public schools. Notable for what!?

Christy,

I moved from the Virginia Beach area last year.  I have noticed a difference between the two school systems.  It seems that the schools here are a little behind.  So far I am not to impressed.  I don’t understand that because we pay a lot of taxes.  I don’t see our taxes being spent very well.  Obviously not to the schools, trash pickup, street lights, no good libraries, public swimming pools and other various things that should be a lot better for all of the taxes we pay.

ATTN: Everyone participating in this forum discussing education

As many of you know, I am in the final stages of revising/editing my book on public education, tentatively titled "What's Wrong with Public Education? Idealistic Visions, a Realistic World, and the Vocal Minority".

I would greatly appreciate any willingness on the part of anyone in this forum who would be willing to share in writing your experience with any of the public schools you've been a part of, now or in the past.  I am planning on having a chapter devoted to actual accounts of the American parent to support many of my opinions in the book.

BTW, be on the lookout for the next article, which addresses many of the concerns you've all shared recently regarding education.  I wrote it with the intent of hopefully shedding some light on a lot of the questions I've read about in the past several days...so check it out...it should be up soon.

Thanks in advance to anyone who would be interested in sharing their stories.  If interested, please forward them to bothwell@erols.com or bothwell@therightreport.com.

Regards,
Trevor Bothwell

I think the state is lacking in alot of ways. Like teaching kids concepts in order to understand school work. You have a lack of teachers that really care about their students. Racism I think its on a individual basis.. If you have a teacher that is racist, then thats where the problems stems from. I don't think a problem comes from one source, its usually a mixure of problems to create one big problem. Until racism is completely gone, majority will always have a way of keeping down minority. 1st people have to admit they have a pre-judg-ice toward another race, ethnic, proverty level people.. The only thing I can say about black and white children being educated - that can come from alot of different sources. Self-esteem about oneself has alot to do with it, regardless of circumstances. As an individual you have to make a decision what you want to do with your life. If you want to get a good education - better yourself educational - go to the library - read books, learn stuff - more then what the public schools offer.. Its an excuse to say the state didn't require me to do it. Turn that tv off - read some books, get self educated..