A friend of mine just passed along this link to an editorial about the sad state of America’s Education System written by Lou Dobbs called “Dobbs: A legacy in search of a president.” This editorial really points out something I have been harping on for the last 15 years about the education of our kids with respect to mathematics and science (and other subjects too). How do we expect to fill technical jobs in research and development, design, and programming in medical, engineering fields, and computer science?
I am shocked to hear how few kids graduate in the Detroit Public Schools (which my kids thankfully do not attend). A quarter of the kids graduate?!? In comparison I would guess less than 5% of the students in my daughter’s class did not graduate. I am fortunate to live in one of the best school districts in the state. Detroit Public Schools appear to be real bad, but this is a nationwide problem in big cities according to the numbers presented by Mr. Dobbs.
I have intentionally left politics out of this blog, but I absolutely agree with Mr. Dobbs’ request for President Bush to build his legacy by using the last months of his term to starting a course of correction on this issue.
We pulled our kids out of school and we’re now home schooling. That’s how bad the school systems are. At least here in Georgia.
The “No Child Left Behind” program is a disaster. When has there ever been a “one size fits all” solution ever worked?
Anyway. This is a really complex problem, no doubt. National government, state government, administration, teachers, other staff, facilities, parents, and students. They are all part of the problem and they all need to be part of the solution. Complex.
Me and my kids. We can’t wait. I’ve got to get them the best education I can, while I can.
I agree Kevin, but in Michigan it is all about leadership and the lack of leadership. This is a bipartisan issue and neither side is doing anything to correctly fund the system. The money is there, but like social security at the federal level, they are stealing the money and using it for other things. Plain stoooopid.
Most individuals I know who really care about their children’s future are taking an active part in their education by getting involved directly at the school. This way they can help direct their kids to the best teachers so the kids have an advantage in life. Your approach is the ultra-extreme and I applaud you for having the patience and ability to teach your own kids. Not everyone can do this.