If you're planning to move to Austin (especially from a bigger city)... (Houston: school districts, living)

[TexasHorseLady]

I didn't say there wasn't a problem - I dealt with it over the years that my children (born 12 years apart, so it was a LONG time) were in schools. I asked a very specific question of a very specific poster (traceyr13) who doesn't appear to have an obvious ax to grind AND who appears to have the education, experience, and willingness to both analyze the problems and come up with solutions for them (that last part is VERY important, y'know).

My sister taught in the Texas schools for 30 years, my nieces are teachers, and their children are homeschooled, so it's hardly like we're either unaware that there are problems or unwilling to address them. I just thought her fresh perspective and her balanced approach (yes, there are things I don't care for about Austin BUT I choose to be here anyway and everywhere has problems) would be a useful breath of fresh air.

I was neither saying there are no problems OR asking for yet more boring Austin/Texas bashing.

[momojojo]

Wow. There are some people that just have to have something to complain about. I'm from CA, proud of my state (or used to be), even have a tattoo of the California Poppy on my ankle. When I get to TX, I'll probably get another tattoo, and I'll try to fit in and please don't judge me because I'm from the west coast. CA has horrible drivers, restaurant chains, smokers, crappy schools, and some good schools. Nowhere is perfect, we're all just people, looking for change or adventure. No matter where you go, you have to accept a new area for what it is, and not compare it to something else. It is what it is. You either get along, or get out. I promise I won't try to make TX into a CA. I love that Texans are so proud....just my two cents. Thanks.

[iceshots]

Originally Posted by mlassoff

Intelligent design being taught as science instead of theology.

Boy. I'd love to see the science teacher that tried to teach my daughter that! This is the kid who in ninth grade in Ontario had to do an independent research project for science. Pick a subject and then outline the arguments for and against on either side.

She analyzed the arguments on each side of "Is there a God?"

So far I have been impressed with the quality of education here. This is the only US based education my family has experienced, but so far so good.

[readymade]

Originally Posted by iceshots

Boy. I'd love to see the science teacher that tried to teach my daughter that! This is the kid who in ninth grade in Ontario had to do an independent research project for science. Pick a subject and then outline the arguments for and against on either side.

She analyzed the arguments on each side of "Is there a God?"

So far I have been impressed with the quality of education here. This is the only US based education my family has experienced, but so far so good.

I'm sure that it also depends on parental involvement. The book banning, though. YIKES! How is that even legal? What IS book banning, anyway? Does it mean a book is not in the school library? Or that they won't teach "Catcher In The Rye?" Or both?

[twange]

Originally Posted by readymade

I'm sure that it also depends on parental involvement. The book banning, though. YIKES! How is that even legal? What IS book banning, anyway? Does it mean a book is not in the school library? Or that they won't teach "Catcher In The Rye?" Or both?

Book banning? Weird. I can't believe that this conversation is even relevant in 2009. TWO THOUSAND AND EFFING NINE

Hey, if y'all are interested, I'm burning some of my old Heavy Metal albums later this week. I can't bear the weight of Satan on my soul anymore. The more the merrier.

[Pippa]

Here's the thing:

You are a big city person. People from big cities don't really know HOW to entertain themselves when they first move to smaller towns because they are so USE to having it sitting right there....usually something you have to pay for...nice restaurants, etc. I have moved all over and notice this in large cities...they always meet OUT somewhere. Okay...this is, I know, a general stereotype but you get the idea.

Can't you swim all year round there? Can't you bike and walk all the time there? Can't you invite your neighbors over for cards and a beer outside at 11pm on a Friday cause it's so hot out? Don't you LOVE eating tacos in the street? I don't get it dude. To each there own I guess! It sounds like a flippin dream to me!!

[texastrigirl]

I loved Austin because it wasn't a big city!!

[carolinajack]

great post pippa, i couldnt agree more!

[mlassoff]

Originally Posted by twange

Book banning? Weird. I can't believe that this conversation is even relevant in 2009. TWO THOUSAND AND EFFING NINE

Hey, if y'all are interested, I'm burning some of my old Heavy Metal albums later this week. I can't bear the weight of Satan on my soul anymore. The more the merrier.

Yes, this is continuing to happen in 2009 in the Texas schools. An yes, it means that the book isn't in the school library AND the book is not taught.

Check out: Books banned in Texas schools (2003)

[shaxs]

Originally Posted by mlassoff

Yes, this is continuing to happen in 2009 in the Texas schools. An yes, it means that the book isn't in the school library AND the book is not taught.

Check out: Books banned in Texas schools (2003)

Wow. Goosebumps and R.L. Stine Series is banned? I loved those when I was kid and they didn't do anything bad to me... wow. Heh Harry Potter as well. Pretty sad.