Oh cool... this is where I can post my beefs with the education system?
Actually on whole, it is "acceptable". But I don't think the education of our youth should be left at acceptable. It could use some serious tweaking. These are my prime issues:
- The "whole language" approach. It might work for a large percentage of students; the there is no saving those who fall through the cracks.
- "Social promotion". Just passing kids to avoid the stigma of being held back. And then they are surprised when little Johnnie can't read when he hits junior high (or beyond).
- No flexibility to pay teachers based on merit. There are some excellent teachers, but they get paid the same as the useless ones who simply keep a big chair warm.
This comes from personal experience with one of my kids. The other two went through with little problem. I wish my son's experience had been an isolated thing, but sadly I know it is not. Luckily we were able to get him the education he needed and it is thanks to a teacher who really did care and really did listen to us.
The reality is kids do fall through the cracks and we could (should) do better.
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