So, kids today have to deal with the No Child Left Behind act. Back in my day, we left kids behind all the time. Heck, it would teach them to stay with the group on field trip days. And they got to learn valuable lessons about how to use public transit at the age of 7. (And I still ride the bus, and I like it.)
Anyway, recently, some group did a survey, and found out how uneducated our teenagers are. It really is quite depressing. (the quiz can be found here.)
Naturally, the teachers unions are blaming NCLB and President Bush.
But here's my question, if NCLB emphasizes reading, and the teachers are teaching to the test, what are they having the kids read? Seriously, you can teach reading whilst teaching a liberal-arts education.
I do feel sorry for teachers, they seemed pulled conflicting directions by their many constituents. Ya know...maybe if we weren't trying for a one-size-federal-government-regulated-fits-all education system. I dunno, maybe I'm being crazy, but put some competition into it, with, lets say charter-schools and vouchers, maybe that would help. (yes, this is a call for state's rights)
Posted by joncim at March 1, 2008 09:13 PM