It is nothing new, there is a large problem in the education system of the US. Today's students are falling behind in all areas of education. Test scores are lower, students can't read as well as they should be, and they are falling behind the rest of the world. How do we fix this problem? Do we destroy everything which exists in todays educational system and rebuild it.? Do we do nothing and let it get worse? Do we fix small problems one at a time until it is better?
One thing that is goin on now is this "Leave No Child Behind" concept that is being taught to teachers. This seems like a good program, but what about the students who are being hurt because there are children in their classes who can't grasp the concepts as quick as them. The students need to be taught you can't put their education on hold b/c of a child who doesn't understand.

Most trouble in education is caused by a poor education early in life which carries through a child's entire education. The vast majority of children who are taught well early can suceed. The solution: more focus on elementary education. More money.

I agree that part of it is early childhood development. Part of it.
I disagree that more money is the answer.

Quote -
"Nearly $373 billion of revenues were raised to fund public education for grades prekindergarten through 12 in school year 1999-2000" http://www.nces.ed.gov/

Is this not enough?

I dont believe more money is the answer. The left has been ranting and raving for more money for years, getting it and wanting more. Decades of reform and billions of dollars have been spent and what is there to show for it? Where I live there has been a substantial exodus from public highschool because of (mostly) poor scores, poor class quality, intolerance of local worldviews, and violence. etc etc etc Hmmmmm.....

Enough with that, you all know the problems facing the school systems. I have my own opinion regarding the solution to the "publik edukashun" epidemic.

Push aside all the unneccessary garbage and replace it with legitimate schooling. (this is my basis)

What garbage you say?

Examples:
In Humanities class, they teach "multiculturalism" and "tolerance" and a slanted view of current events.
In Science we are taught save the rainforest propaganda, and "animal rights" instead of true science. English, History, etc....we are thrust upon an agenda instead of the basics. If this is taking place here in bible-conservative rural Illinois what is it like in the rest of the states? To me its simple as dirt, get rid of the indoctrination filling and replace it with Math, English, Science, etc...Wait I'll compromise....keep the clever propaganda, but put it in just one period and leave the rest for schooling and learning.

This would solve the fist two issues(maybe the third is relative to just my ex-teachers). The last one well....thats a moral issue and a parental issue.

You'll probably never hear this again but...get the feds involved. Ouch that hurt coming out....they love rules and regulations so lets let them have at it with a legitimate goal. Get someone to keep the Department of Education, the Department of Education not the Department of Propaganda on Impressionable Minds. Maybe there is someone(s) who does this, if there is, they are not doing their job. They should be fired and replaced with someone who will do it.


-Public Education Refugee-

QUOTE]One thing that is goin on now is this "Leave No Child Behind" concept that is being taught to teachers. This seems like a good program, but what about the students who are being hurt because there are children in their classes who can't grasp the concepts as quick as them. The students need to be taught you can't put their education on hold b/c of a child who doesn't understand. [/QUOTE]
This has been a problem in schools for ever so many years. The class can only learn (generally as there are always exceptions to rules) as fast as the average student. The very bright student is brought down to the speed of the slower student. The slowest get left behind. This is one reason testing is so important along with going back to the basics in the primary grades. Too many "new and Innovative" ways of teaching have been introduced over the years. The old method of repeat, repeat, repeat still works the best.
Money certainly cannot hurt IF and I repeat IF it is spent correctly. Too many times the money is spent on far out special programs instead of good text books or other good learning tools required for basic education.
I believe in head start among other programs for those unfortunate not to get this type of thing at home. When some of my children were very young some areas in which we lived did not have kindergarten. It was private. It is amazing the difference it made when the kids who didn't attend k started first grade. The number was great enough so that the whole class had to slow down to accommodate them.
Some school systems have gifted and talented programs. I think there should be some remedial or tutoring for the less "gifted and talented". This does take money.
Still, I hate to see Federal money here. Once they get their foot in the door they start telling states what to do, and I object to that.
I have a lot of opinions (obviously) about secondary education, but without a good, sound basic fundamental base the rest is a lost cause.