Your ideas are lofty. Don't expect this kind of practical learning out of the current public school system. Why should any teacher develop meaningful, exciting, positive and successful methods for learning when they don't have to? There is no competition other than expensive private schools which most Americans cannot afford. The NEA is bought and paid for, and spends a lot of time, energy and money on extremely powerful lobbyists.
In my experience most teachers have little or no incentive.
Once they put in their time and receive tenure, they are out of fight and caring.
I had a friend that was an aide in a special ed class. The teacher had been in this classroom for years and had worked herself into a powerful lobbying position. My friend was required to basically teach ie. supervise the classroom and spent most of each day alone with the students while the real teacher was in her office on the phone lobbying. My friend was told to write up weekly progress reports (stirctly illegal since she did not possess teaching credentials)because the teacher didn't have time.
I could go on and on, but having brought up my kids in the public school system let me give you a bit of advise. Demand that your children be placed in classrooms with individuals who have only been teaching for a few years. They have enough experience to know their job yet are still able to maintain a level of enthusiasm and creativity necessary to teach effectively.
Since you have time on your hands, spend it talking to the various teachers that your children might have in later years. Ask them about their teaching methods. Get to know them so that you can make good choices for your children. Talk to other parents with older children who have gone through the system.
Honestly, if I were given the chance to do it all over again, my children would have gone to private school. They too had to memorize the capitals of all 50 states (and can recite them perfectly to this day), but I do believe they would have had a better education in a system that encourages rewarding competition.
BTW teaching children to memorize the capitals of all 50 states is, I believe, a federal requirement so if you have a problem with that talk to your federal representatives.
Good luck
M |
