fett on 1/10/2009 at 03:44
We started homeschooling this year because our 2nd grader was actually digressing in his reading and writing skills, and couldn't move forward in math and science (where he's already doing 4th-5th grade work after 6 weeks of homeschooling). Student to teacher ratios and standardized testing are IMO the two main culprits in public school. Notice how the "successful" classrooms in that piece had 5-15 students in them, as opposed to a typical classroom which has usually 25-30. It makes a big difference. A friend of mine who won a National Teacher of the year award last year told me that it's better for a mediocre teacher or even a high school graduate to teach one kid, than someone with a master's degree to teach 20.
I've also been reading about the "unschooling" movement which sounds totally insane. These people believe that a child will actually do better in life by staying home and doing whatever they please all day, than by going to public school. What's really scary is looking at ACT and SAT scores of "unschoolers" compared to the average public high school students. Unschoolers mop the fucking floor with public school kids. The movement therefore calls into question the need for a public school system beyond being a glorified babysitter, and in some cases, I tend to agree. I do have to admit that I've seen a complete 180 degree change in my son over the last few months that he's been at home. He is happier, more social, more motivated, and more inquisitive than he has been for the last two years. We're doing some traditional curriculum as the need arises, but he's learned more by playing Civ III and Warcraft than he learned his entire 2nd grade year. I wish I were joking. And he was going to one of the best elementary schools in this region of the country - both in terms of their financing and test scores.
Epos Nix on 1/10/2009 at 03:53
Having been "victim" to the South Carolina school system while growing up, I can attest that yes, the schools in SC are as bad as that video makes them out to be. The gap between a public school education here and a university education (even an average one) is just enormous. Our local colleges are forced to severely dumb-down their curriculum in order to meet the needs of these under-educated students, and even then most don't survive the first semester. :nono:
AR Master on 1/10/2009 at 04:12
Quote Posted by fett
We started homeschooling this year because our 2nd grader was actually digressing in his reading and writing skills, and couldn't move forward in math and science (where he's already doing 4th-5th grade work after 6 weeks of homeschooling). Student to teacher ratios and standardized testing are IMO the two main culprits in public school. Notice how the "successful" classrooms in that piece had 5-15 students in them, as opposed to a typical classroom which has usually 25-30. It makes a big difference. A friend of mine who won a National Teacher of the year award last year told me that it's better for a mediocre teacher or even a high school graduate to teach one kid, than someone with a master's degree to teach 20.
I've also been reading about the "unschooling" movement which sounds totally insane. These people believe that a child will actually do better in life by staying home and doing whatever they please all day, than by going to public school. What's really scary is looking at ACT and SAT scores of "unschoolers" compared to the average public high school students. Unschoolers mop the fucking floor with public school kids. The movement therefore calls into question the need for a public school system beyond being a glorified babysitter, and in some cases, I tend to agree. I do have to admit that I've seen a complete 180 degree change in my son over the last few months that he's been at home. He is happier, more social, more motivated, and more inquisitive than he has been for the last two years. We're doing some traditional curriculum as the need arises, but he's learned more by playing Civ III and Warcraft than he learned his entire 2nd grade year. I wish I were joking. And he was going to one of the best elementary schools in this region of the country - both in terms of their financing and test scores.
fett: the realest talking parent
fett on 1/10/2009 at 04:29
AR Master: making comments I don't understand.
AR Master on 1/10/2009 at 04:32
you're a man who takes real care of his son and doesnt let him fester in the public system with the rest of the deviants and radicalists
just think when all the other kids are kissing other boys and wearing 26" waisted jeans he'll be chopping you some goddamn firewood and swatting off broads like flies
so kudos
VVV THANX FOR AN UP TO DA MINUTE UPDATE
scarykitties on 1/10/2009 at 04:41
I've been sitting here for the past half-minute, wondering whether AR was being sarcastic or not.
fett on 1/10/2009 at 05:08
I'm pretty sure he's just trying to fit in. :erg:
AR Master on 1/10/2009 at 05:19
no for real dog i commend you and actually think you're doing great
a guy cant even give a complement around here what the fuck
PeeperStorm on 1/10/2009 at 05:19
Quote Posted by scarykitties
To be fair, most don't have the time to home-school their kids, but you raise a good point; how many of them would be willing to try to do better themselves?
Who's talking about home schooling? Just setting aside a little time to help them with homework would be a big improvement in most families. Or taking 'em to the library once in a while. Or maybe getting in an hour of educational activity each weekend during the preschool years instead of watching
CSI reruns. Anyone who relies on the schools to do
all of the educating is doing their kids a disservice.
scarykitties on 1/10/2009 at 05:31
Quote Posted by AR Master
no for real dog i commend you and actually think you're doing great
a guy cant even give a complement around here what the fuck
It's just your choice of words. Whilst kissing boys and being fat doesn't sound that great for most guys, neither does chopping firewood and chasing off women. Sounds like a lose-lose to me.
I see what you mean, Peeper. I know my dad was an enormous help with understanding my math assignments when I was in middle school (and into lower high school).
