English Deutsch Français Italiano Español Português 繁體中文 Bahasa Indonesia Tiếng Việt ภาษาไทย
All categories

I strongly dislike the public education system for its lack of ability to give a [pretty word here] or pick teachers who aren't in the class of "I belong in the half-way house". What are your views? How do others who go to public schools most fo their lives actually feel about it? Are they blinded by its constance, and so numbed to it?

2006-08-17 17:23:30 · 5 answers · asked by me as myself 2 in Education & Reference Other - Education

5 answers

There are quite a few deficiencies in public education. However, you seem a bit angry at teachers alone, and that might be misplaced anger. I will reply as a mother, grandmother, and recently credentialed teacher (just beginning my 3rd year); most of my life I've been involved in public education in some way!
There are teachers who don't seem to be concerned over matters unless it relates to their pay; that's unfortanate. But there are many teachers who truly want their students to learn. There are administrators who seem to be more concerned with budgets than doing what it takes to see to it that every child progresses.
And addressing your concern about "contance"; I presume you mean that it doesn't seem to change. Unfortunately, that is not true and may be one of the most crucial factors contributing to why children have difficulty in school, and why teachers are frustrated. New curriculum is introduced frequently, I cannot figure out how anyone has time to see if a new program works. Teachers master one curriculum to be told that another one is on the way. Untill NCLB, veteran teachers were left to pick and choose the many programs out there as their favorite. Now, (in California) they are mandated to ONLY use the prescribed program set by the individual districts. Neighboring districts use different programs, and in our modern, transient society, that in itself is a problem. Kids don't get "continuity".
Furthermore, add up how much time a child spends with his teacher, and how much he spends with his parents. Teachers cannot possibly teach everything they are required to know; they need parents to read and give experiences and talk to their children.
I grew up in the public school system with the "Dick & Jane" series, and am a good reader. That series had short stories, gradual intro of new words, and repetition of known words and lots of phonics. Teachers read aloud from longer, more advanced, literature every day.
I have children brought up with "literature-based " instruction, which was apparently supposed to make one love reading without providing the necessary skills to decode. I had to give my oldest two a lot of phonics help at home. Currently, publishers seem to be striving for a half-way point.
I could go on, as education is of vital importance. Nevertheless, I will close with this thought: in our country, we are privileged to receive a free education. All of us, whether we can speak the language being taught, or have the ability process the info without extra help. It has to be up to parents to instill the importance of education, and for children to take advantage of the privilege of having an education before we see great change.
I am curious as to why you are so angry.

2006-08-17 18:54:14 · answer #1 · answered by penniejo 1 · 1 0

Talking about public schools the way you do is a sweeping generality. The main deficiency with the teachers in public schools is, quite frankly, pay. Why would someone who is gifted in any academic subject be willing to work for a starting salary of $18, 500 a year, when they could be an engineer, or professor, or some other profession? There are, however some dedicated and student oriented teachers out there who di care. Give them some credit. Good luck.

2006-08-18 00:30:24 · answer #2 · answered by misslucyhoneychurch 2 · 1 0

Schools have become an industry of their own complete with their products (students) and consumers (also students). With such an arrangement, fertile soil for abuse exists. Add to this the fact that people without children basically are not involved, and you have a recipe for disaster because parents feel intimidated by the system and do not want to rock the boat, which would result in an even worse situation for their children. Until everyone understands the importance of saving the schools, nothing will happen of substance. Your question is a very important one.

2006-08-18 00:35:39 · answer #3 · answered by Maldives 3 · 1 0

I am in the U.S. and a teacher so I don't appreciate your incorrect idea that teachers are along the lines of drug addicts. Maybe you should step in our shoes just one day. But first, you'd have to get an education, get a teaching credential, get finger printed, etc., etc.

What you and others fail to understand is the educational system is run not by teachers, we are the "worker bees" in the trenches, it is run by administrators and school boards. These are the folks making 6 figure incomes, have PhD. after their names and have never set foot in a classroom to teach. They are the money spenders and the paper pushers. These are the folks that spend--freely--your tax money. And if you took the time to see what they REALLY spend it on, you'd be sick.

One of the biggest problems, parents that aren't involved. So, how involved are you in the public school system? Are you making the administrators accountable? The school boards? Are you putting your time and money where your mouth is?

2006-08-18 00:35:58 · answer #4 · answered by MadforMAC 7 · 1 1

If you're discussing public education in the USA, there is one major difference between the US and many countries its compared to. It accepts everyone. It's kind of like comparing a factory that only accepts prime materials to a factory that will also take what should be on a salvage heap and expecting them to produce the same results.

2006-08-18 00:32:30 · answer #5 · answered by Kiki 6 · 1 0

fedest.com, questions and answers