Education in the Information Age

I agree something should change with public education. I have helped in both of my children's classes and found the set up to be inefficient to say the least. I was working with a group of children in K. They were interested in learning more about math. I moved them along because they were capable and interested. I was reprimanded by the teacher, because she wanted all of them to move at the same pace.

I am kicking around ideas in my head about what would work best. I haven't arrived there yet.

you must read John Taylor Gatto's book The Underground History of American Education.He was a public school teacher for thirty years.It will open your eyes and make you angry at the same time. I always knew there was something wrong with education the way it is. After reading this book you understand. Nothing will change until we get rid of "schooling" and go after true education. Hint, you won't find education at any public school or even many private schools near you.

I am not convinced that a claim that public education is important warranted.

From the federal level, the constitution makes no mention of education, unless "education" is encapsulated in the phrase "general welfare."

From the state level, how inefficient is the state's use of taxpayer funds to provide education? Public schools invariably turn into pro-state propaganda grounds. In a nation's with a mission statement of liberty be compatible with a pro-government educational system?

Traditionally, education is the responsibility of parents. Different parents desire different results from a school. But since the vast majority parents send their children to government schools, these different desires manifest themselves in the political system. How can an educational curriculum be solid when it is subject to the political blender?

Ultimately, public schools are too inefficient, and too vulnerable to majority tyranny, or dilutive compromise to be effective. If I could, I would sue the state on behalf of my parents for the twelve years they wasted.

I agree, and I think most people do too, with your general proposition that different students require different pedagogic styles. One method doesn't fit all children. One curriculum doesn't fit all children. And is it necessary for every child to learn analytical geometry and calculus when many will not use these tools in adulthood? Parents should find the school that fits their own preference.

From a policy perspective, why should the government even be an actor in this decision? I understand that their may be a national security interest in training scientists and engineers. In that case, the armed forces could open boarding schools admitting the best and brightest students. I have no problem with a system like that. But giving every child an equal education, when some are unable to attain, and others are clearly superior, seems like a waste of time.