06-11-2010, 07:19 PM
Hi,
And there lies the root of the problem. You have repeatedly claimed that you are an involved, responsible citizen, and I have no reason to doubt you. And yet, even you do not wish to be involved with the school system except during the time it benefits you directly. Judging from their actions, most people are apathetic and irresponsible (look at voter turnout numbers). Do you really think we can run a school system, or anything else, for the whole population on the basis of the contributions of the responsible minority for the period they are benefiting?
Aside from that, I mostly agree with your assessment of the educational system of the USA. It's like the ranks of the Prussian army: first, there's sports. Then there are extra-curriculum activities. Then, for a long way, there is nothing. There are exceptions, but I think the international comparisons speak for themselves. What I disagree with is that this is caused by the government running our schools. Many of the countries that do a much better job of educating their children do so in schools totally supported and run by the government. Indeed, I think that most of the fault with our schools is allowing the parents too much input. The parents enjoy the football games, the marching bands, the plays and musicals. They don't get as much out of algebra and Latin. So the funding follows the passions of the parents rather than the need of the students.
--Pete
(06-11-2010, 05:16 PM)kandrathe Wrote: And, yes, I do what I can to help out the school, now that my kids attend, but I really didn't before I had kids. And, unless there is some in my face reason to help after they move on, I doubt I will remain involved.
And there lies the root of the problem. You have repeatedly claimed that you are an involved, responsible citizen, and I have no reason to doubt you. And yet, even you do not wish to be involved with the school system except during the time it benefits you directly. Judging from their actions, most people are apathetic and irresponsible (look at voter turnout numbers). Do you really think we can run a school system, or anything else, for the whole population on the basis of the contributions of the responsible minority for the period they are benefiting?
Aside from that, I mostly agree with your assessment of the educational system of the USA. It's like the ranks of the Prussian army: first, there's sports. Then there are extra-curriculum activities. Then, for a long way, there is nothing. There are exceptions, but I think the international comparisons speak for themselves. What I disagree with is that this is caused by the government running our schools. Many of the countries that do a much better job of educating their children do so in schools totally supported and run by the government. Indeed, I think that most of the fault with our schools is allowing the parents too much input. The parents enjoy the football games, the marching bands, the plays and musicals. They don't get as much out of algebra and Latin. So the funding follows the passions of the parents rather than the need of the students.
--Pete
How big was the aquarium in Noah's ark?