I didn't start this thread to teacher bash. I don't think anyone did. When people mention "the system" they are talking generalities, not about anyone specific teacher or admin. the article is an advertisement for the documentary, 2 Million Minutes. Can/do our kids compete globally? Do they need to? Those are important questions that I think is worthy of discussion. Is our science/math education as bad as they say? Yes, there are wonderful schools. There are wonderful principles. There are wonderful teachers. But when you start looking at the "system" what percentage do they make up? 10%? 20%. At one point do we decide the system is in need of a overhaul? When I left graduate school, the classes which came behind me where 50% Asian. I have spoken to a couple of engineering friends who say that Indian and Asian students walked circles around the American students.
WHen a governor proposed doing as some other states and setting up math and science schools, he was unilaterally shut down. And the excuse? We don't want to train anymore scientists and engineers and have another Challenger disaster? I'm flummoxed by that comment.
I was told by the Principle of DS's school that they don't do science b/c they have so many holidays to celebrate. When I pressed her that the other school in our district teaches science her comment was that that school is smaller and the science program is run by those parents in a VERY disparaging tone.
And yes, my son had a great teacher last year for K who differentiated for him. I went in and did science several times w/ the kids.
I also volunteered often in my son's 2nd grade class, doing science w/ the kids several times, helping out at all the parties as the teacher requested. I've only ever asked for assistance from a teacher when it involved my child's emotional state. I did ultimately pull both my kids out of the school system b/c as it is setup, their needs would not be met. I felt it was unfair to ask for more since so many kids needed help. My son figured this out for himself when I asked why he didn't speak up to the teacher. He said, "B/c the other kids need to learn this stuff." My 5yr old told me,"If I ask her to change things just for me, she'd have to make a worksheet for me every time for everything." the choice has been made to service the bottom rather than the top as the article addresses. Our district is using every single penny of the stimulus money for special-ed. But I don't think we should settle for this and all decide to homeschool. I think we need to change the system. THere are things that can be done which won't cost any money - it's the attitudes which need to be changed.
And I've recently read from a couple of people who have taught math and science in college....even the best and brightest who took ALgebra, pre-Calc in high school are struggling in college. They just didn't have a firm understanding. That kids haven't been trained in logical thought, application of what they've learned. One quote I saw said that a third of US students when asked how many buses are required to transport soldiers when each bus carries 30 soldiers, gave a decimal answer.
anyhow, I have to run....sorry for the ramble.
