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Now I know that we are in a full scale war with intellectualism in this country, but, before screaming about socialism, federal dictatorships and crying about having (heaven forbid) to pay more so that the kid you hire to work your counter can count without a automated register, a little eye-opener from the Economist:
...[US] have one of the shortest school years anywhere, a mere 180 days compared with an average of 195 for OECD countries and more than 200 for East Asian countries. German children spend 20 more days in school than American ones, and South Koreans over a month more. Over 12 years, a 15-day deficit means American children lose out on 180 days of school, equivalent to an entire year.
the long summer vacation acts like a mental eraser, with the average child reportedly forgetting about a month’s-worth of instruction in many subjects and almost three times that in mathematics.
A recent report from McKinsey, a management consultancy, argues that the lagging performance of the country’s school pupils, particularly its poor and minority children, has wreaked more devastation on the economy than the current recession.
I like these ideas from Obama, but many public school boards earn a "F" when it comes to educating today's children. It costs anywhere from $6,000 to $8,000 per year per student for a public education, and the results are usually horrid. I saw give each parent a $5,000 voucher so they can send their kids to any school they want. It would be a great kick in the ass for the public school board and would force them to improve the quality of education being delivered. The competition should result in better education.
Now before I get called nasty names, hear me out. It's the poor that would benefit most from this. The rich send their kids to the best schools anyway. The poor are basically ignored. A $5,000 voucher however would give them a loud voice. Tuition at private schools varies greatly, but the general range is approximately $3,000 to $4,000 a year. The potential to receive $5,000 per year per student will result in private sector schools competing against public sector schools. Parents will vote by choosing which school offers the superior education. Overcapacity schools in deteriorating condition in minority neighborhoods would no longer be ignored by the local school board. Parents would immediately jump ship to the better options. And better options will exist as any businessperson would make a fortune to invest in areas the school board neglects. A little competition can be a good thing!
the long summer vacation acts like a mental eraser, with the average child reportedly forgetting about a month’s-worth of instruction in many subjects and almost three times that in mathematics.
I would not disagree with this and neither would most of my fellow teachers. In fact, a lot of teachers I talk to would like to do away with the long summer break and spread them out throughout the year.
I've had a longer school day (not a longer school year, keep in mind) and while I didn't like it at first, I think it can do wonders for some kids. I would have rather had an extra math class in the afternoon rather than a course in how to be a babysitter (yes, we had this class) or choir (even though I love to sing). Looking back, I am glad we had a longer school day but I wish we could have spent the time a bit better. Some kids could have been in an extra math class or an extra reading class.
I think parents should have the choice of whether or not they want their child to attend school longer.
We have a charter school that has a longer school year and a longer school day (which is optional) and they have a LONG waiting list.
I like your ideas CollegeGuy9. I definitely think some teachers take advantage of the fact that some parents care less than others and they know they have to send their kids to public schools. Some people just shouldn't be teachers. At the same time, we can't keep blaming the teachers for everything. We have good teachers, we have bad parents, we have bad teachers and we have good parents.
It costs anywhere from $6,000 to $8,000 per year per student for a public education,
Tuition at private schools varies greatly, but the general range is approximately $3,000 to $4,000 a year.
These numbers seem really low, especially the cost of private school tuition. That would only pay for 3-4 months of full day kindergarten where my son went.
The FY 2008 per pupil cost for the local public schools was $13,407 and was touted in the budget presentation as being lower than many surrounding districts.
These numbers seem really low, especially the cost of private school tuition. That would only pay for 3-4 months of full day kindergarten where my son went.
I agree.
My cousin went to a private school that was around 11,000.
Of course it's cheaper when the child is younger but still....
I like your ideas CollegeGuy9. I definitely think some teachers take advantage of the fact that some parents care less than others and they know they have to send their kids to public schools. Some people just shouldn't be teachers. At the same time, we can't keep blaming the teachers for everything. We have good teachers, we have bad parents, we have bad teachers and we have good parents.
Not attacking teachers at all. I think they're severely underpaid. My post was a direct attack on public school board administration. Competition in schools would be good for teachers too.
These numbers seem really low, especially the cost of private school tuition. That would only pay for 3-4 months of full day kindergarten where my son went.
The FY 2008 per pupil cost for the local public schools was $13,407 and was touted in the budget presentation as being lower than many surrounding districts.
Incredible! It really depends on the school district. The numbers do vary greatly. Nevertheless, I think it's an issue which should be explored further.
As a teacher I fully agree with the idea of changing the year so that students are in school year round. I see a calendar where kids have 3-4 weeks off in the summer and then the rest of the summer break would be spread out through out the year in the form of mini breaks. I would also like to see less days set aside for testing and more time for instruction.
Now I know that we are in a full scale war with intellectualism in this country,
This is unfortunately true, and it baffles the hell out of me. and the war begins when you're just a kid and get made fun of if you actually are smart and apply yourself. I just don't understand this country.
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