Comments on: It’s Not The Schools’ Fault

By: Brett

Brett — Sat, 18 Feb 2006 18:21:16 +0000

Some things we forget with regard to education. 1) The purpose of public education is to make schooling available to all citizens, not to turn all those citizens into educated persons. (by my thinking, most degree holders are not educated at all.)

2) You can lead a child to school, but you can’t make him learn. We must accept the fact that a near majority of students will emerge as ignorant as they entered, and let the chips fall where they may.

3) It’s an opportunity, not a promise of success.

By: Don Wilhour

Don Wilhour — Sat, 18 Feb 2006 03:16:35 +0000

Great post. For years I have thought that ADHD was way overstated. People just seem to not want ot realize that not everyone learns the same way. To be honest, I was terribly bored through most of my K-12 years. I didn’t act out, but at the same time I was convinced it was a waste of my time. Yet, I learned reading, writing, and math at a reasonable level quite well. I was able to learn more if I wanted, but I did have to learn the basics. Growing up in a very rural area, this is saying something. But I toatlly agree with you. There is way too much copping out to ADHD. Some people just learn differntly, especially younger boys. At least that is how it seems to me. One thing I remember very clearly from my schooling is that boys and girls are exaclty the same and should be treated as such. While I agree that we should all be treated with the same respect, I cannot say that I agree that we all learn/grow up the exact same way. There has to be some allowances for individualism, and for the fact that having XX vs. XY chromosomes might just make us a bit different in growing up. I may be wrong, but at least, that is how I see it right now.

By: Chuck Pelto

Chuck Pelto — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 22:03:52 +0000

P.P.S. Interesting to know you’re doing the ‘short-course’ at Leavenworth.

Is Greens still the only hot-spot in town?

If you get over to that other establishment, just a tad south of the main east-west route past the long-course facilities give Linda-Lou my fondest regards….and God’s good blessings.

And if her mother would give the recipe for those spicy pickles, I’d greatly appreciate it.

By: Chuck Pelto

Chuck Pelto — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 17:39:54 +0000

P.S. You probably didn’t know this but….

…the local school district does NOT require computer literacy of students. It’s an elective course.

Furthermore, as I understand a report I heard last Summer, local community recreation centers can get better computers from government re-utilization activities than the local schools have in their computer facilities.

These are NOT ‘good’ indicators…..

By: Chuck Pelto

Chuck Pelto — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 17:36:59 +0000

TO: Kate
RE: It Isn’t?

“It’s Not The Schools’ Fault” — Kate

Everytime I sit in on a meeting that touches upon the public education system, I hear indicators of how badly it is failing in preparing children who want to go on to college to actually work at the college level.

Just last month, the local newspaper went so far as to suggest that this failure is a ‘good thing’.

How so?

Why, because it allows the kids who want to go to college to attend the local community college where they can be brought up to speed.

This is ‘good’?

Then there is the way they abuse the college programs at some of these meetings.

Why? Well, because they’re demanding too much of the kids and crushing their carefully constructed ‘egos’. So the local REAL college has a horrible drop-out rate.

Meanwhile, I notice that Congress has passed laws allowing foreign computer and math/science wiz-kids to work here longer.

Why is that?

Well, because not that many of OUR kids are measuring up to the demands of business, where the tread meets the pavement.

No, Kate. It IS the schools’ fault.

RE: The Lowest Common Denominator, Anyone?

“The truth is, public schools aren’t necessarily poor or sub-standard, they just might not be the best fit for a child’s personality, learning style or temperment.” — Kate

Only if you’re a mindless automaton….in my personal opinion.

Regards,

Chuck(le)
[Image is everything....except for where the tread meets the pavement. Then your cardboard tire doesn't do very well. Especially if its slippery.]

By: GZ Expat

GZ Expat — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 04:41:41 +0000

We experienced the same sort of frustrations while our son was attending school in the USA. Teachers saying he was too active…he fidgeted…he was a distraction. In short…he was being a BOY!
We moved back to China and he is now in an international school with teachers from a different background than the American system…and he is flourishing. He still has his moments, but the teachers understand what makes him click and they can handle. it.
I’d never have the patience to homeschool my kid…he’d be in detention all the time. I admire your courage in taking this step.

By: PJ

PJ — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 03:06:54 +0000

If you follow Teresa’s link – you will find the Gifted Development Center where I took my son a couple of years back. They are very understanding – and knowledgable people. I currently homeschool in CA – if you have any questions – I would be happy to try to answer them. I was an English teacher once-upon-a-time for a brief time, and I have some fairly good resources for various levels of language arts/English.

Good for you! and Good luck!

~PJ~

By: Venomous Kate

Venomous Kate — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 00:10:44 +0000

And I love the silly face you made for the picture on your web site, Jami. My son has spent the last 15 minutes trying to stick his tongue out just like that, which would be cute except he keeps spitting on me in the process.

By: Princess Jami

Princess Jami — Wed, 15 Feb 2006 23:35:13 +0000

I love that you posted this wonderfully practical and emotional post. Your love for your son is overwhelming. Wow. /sniffle

By: Brett Fife

Brett Fife — Wed, 15 Feb 2006 21:16:19 +0000

Great post. Good for you. I am planning to home school my own children, this results from an almost carbon copy experience (sans your resolution) to your son’s when I went through public school.
More parents exercising the same discriminating process to determine the best avenue for their child’s development, hear, hear!