I was raised in public schools, and my mother and father were the only couple in the history of my gradeschool who were both Presidents of the PTA. They voted for every bond issue that came up. There were so many war babies (like me) that the schools had to double up use of the class rooms. (Which isn't a bad idea!)
I recall learning how to read and write, do arithmetic, gym, and the basic skills needed to succeed in highschool and beyond. I had to take two quarters of shop, where I learned the basics of mechanical drawing, using power tools, working with sheet metal, and making wood projects. Everything I learned in that class I can still visualize, remember, and do pretty much the way I was taught. I have to say it was the single most useful class that I had.
Nowadays kids have to sit through lessons on how to prevent pregnancy, how to prevent STDs, and any number of topics that have nothing to do with life skills. My sister, who is a very fine teacher, has to worry that a kid will bring a gun to class. The parents are often more problematic than the kids, she says.
I'm still a strong supporter of public schools. We dare not let them deteriorate into failure. I just wish they could stick to topics that enable kids to succeed in life, instead of just how to survive an overly permissive lifestyle.
I know a few people who have home schooled successfully. It was very common in Alaska where it's sometimes impossible for a kid to attend a school. However, it would take an unusual degree of commitment for an untrained parent to do it well. I'm not convinced that home schooling should be ubiquitous.
I see nothing wrong with chartering schools to experiment with different methods of teaching, but the public schools should be kept strong and vibrant forever.
Public schools should not be forced to take incompetent teachers for any reason. My daughter observed a fellow teacher instructing her youngsters in "Right" Angles and "Left" Angles. She clearly had no idea what she was talking about. This same teacher taught physical education but was so unfit that she had to teach from a chair. |
