Is there a "Dumbing down of America" going on now, or has it always been this way?

Question

Is "No child left behind" working or are the kids still sliding through the school pipe?

We as a nation have lots and lots of "cannon fodder" available, but who is going to take us to the next level?

Answer 1

i personally think that some of the parents in this country are not taking enough interest in their child's education. they are putting too pressure on the school to do everything, especially since kids are starting school as young as 4 with the pre-k programs.

my friend was a sixth grade teacher for a semester, and he had parents that didn't feel they should have to provide notebook paper and pencils for their child. the school should have to do that.

no child left behind has made it where the school systems are no longer really teaching kids, they are merely regurgitating facts on tests. a lot of schools have to cheat on tests just so they don't lose their federal funding.

I really think education begins at home, and I plan to read to my child every day, sing it nursery rhymes and have conversations instead of just plopping it in front of a video. My mom did all these things when I was a child, and I feel that I have grown up reasonably intelligent.

Answer 2

Quoth David Byrne of Talking Heads, "Same as it ever was..."

...although I'll venture that its momentum has angled worse.
And this, from an optimist, believe it or not.