A number of articles have recently been lamenting and generally not feeling too good about school, boards of, teachers, money and students. That about covers it. But what is wrong with the school system that we all pay for and some pay dearly, such as retired, limited income, etc.?
Are we getting our money well spent and our are students learning to better serve societal needs? Probably the answer to that question is no. Employer complaints heard for years suggest that kids out of high school are not ready for the work world. Complicated answer is required and with that the ability and willingness for schools to "keep up" with changing societal movement. Schools as they exist probably cannot keep up and that begs the further question: are kids adequately trained, educated and we have a puzzle that nobody seems to want to talk about.
Let us take one of the basic learning issues, reading. Some 40 percent of students entering kindergarten are not ready for that grade and are not adequately prepared to be learners because the schools seemingly do not recognize the learner's needs. Learner needs is a topic of great importance but seemingly a few suggest that if only we would spend more money all would be well.
I am going to suggest that it is not the amount of money spent but how it is spent and on what. If, pray tell, I ran a business that lost 40 percent every year my piggy bank would be empty very soon. Why do we let the school system fail 40 percent or more? Perhaps the answers involve how learners learn; how teachers are taught; how children are grouped in lock step in grades rigid system of making widgets but not learners.
I would love to discuss this further with others that post comments on this site. Educational excellence is not the youngster that gets all A's or is the pretty cheerleader. Educational excellence is giving all the best available education that we can based on the student's needs and abilities. We can do better for that large percentage that don't and not spend any more money, but pay teachers for work that get results.
Robert Brooks
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I found the comment by Mr. Brooks especially telling. The "one size fits all" mentality which seems to dominate the current structure is being shown to be seriously outdated. TCAP is just one example, there are others as Mr. Brooks notes. Limited screening to better assess each student's own potential and adapt the courses accordingly is another.
Of course such changes will require increased funding and more people. That will be a major roadblock.
Sam Jones