QUOTE(mom2hs2boys @ May 19 2006, 03:25 PM)
What do you suggest? How would you change the typical classroom environment to include more free thinking, more cooperation and less competition, and less consumerism (which, if you think about it, is really just a result of less free thinking).
In terms of arbitrary rules - how do you keep control of a class of 30 kids who are there only because the law requires it?
In terms of competition - students aren't working toward a higher goal or learning because learning is a joy and a priviledge (partly because everything is force-fed). The only thing left is to compete with grades.
And as for the rampant materialism - we apply all of this force fed curriculum and arbitrary rules, and we take away the student's ability to think for him/herself. Add to that the peer/herd mentality of most schools (not a teacher's fault - just a by product of mass groupings of students based only on age and not on common interests), and most kids learn that they have to think the same way as everyone else to survive. Thus, most kids become susceptible to advertising messages. No one has been allowed to think for themselves.
So what are the solutions? I wish I knew. I'd love to see the upper end of the compulsory age lowered (and I realize I'll get flamed for that, but it's my opinion and you're entitled to disagree). Students in high school should be there because they're motivated about their education, not because the law requires it. This might actually cause a few more parents to become involved because they'll want to see their children motivated about their futures. I'd love to see a completely new model for the classroom - university model schools sound very intriguing. I'd also like to see ability grouping from the earliest ages - NOT age based grouping. If a 7 year old is reading at a fourth grade level (but doing math at a second grade level), then that student should be allowed to attend a reading class at his level and a math class at his level. This is more "real world" than the current age-only groupings - ever apply for a job, only to be told that you weren't the right age - they didn't have any openings for 33 year olds, but plenty for 34 and 35 year olds.
It's interesting that the things you cite are actually reasons many homeschooling parents cite for their decision. If a few of those could be addressed, then you might see more parents turning back to the local school system.
Mom2
Thanks for posting! I thought this topic was going to get buried in the archives. I'm a college professor teaching psychology to undergraduates. The poison ivy is probably more abundant in high schools. Are you teaching? Have you tried homeschooling for your children?
Here is some of my brainstorming:
I agree that the compulsory age should be lowered, perhaps as low as 12. With due process, rights to a public education could be suspended for violent and disruptive behavior in school.
NCLB needs to be replaced w legislation that provides funding equity and class size limits no larger than 20.
More high schools and colleges need have vital intramural sports and wellness orograms with or without varsity sports. Parents and students who don't want the athletics jammed down their throats need more options. Long term health into old age is not served by football with or without a helmet. Regular exercise and intrinsic enjoyment of physical activity does serve longevity and quality of life throughout adulthood.
Kids need to become fluent in foreign languages starting in elementary schools. This could entail total immersion. Our kids will be a part of a global economy.
Schools could be model ecovillages with gardens, alternative energy systems, and regular meetings to build community consensus. Mentoring, lab activities, internships, service learning and lively discussion need to have as much importance as prattling in front of a classroom.
No one should be permitted to administrate without also having teaching responsibilities.
More men need to be teaching in elementary grades. Perhaps teachers could work as partners to model good working relationships. A great number of upper level administrators could be more useful to their community in another career!
There need to be purges of unnecessary paperwork and inflexible rules. There needs to be more opportunity to have classes out of doors. Education needs to be about liberation.
Funding for fine arts and performing arts needs to be restored.
No child should be left illiterate. School is about learning from written language.
