Quote:
Originally Posted by RachelRose
It was staged but public schools should still be banned.
|
I have mixed feelings on the idea of abolishing public schools.
First, I think we could abolish the U.S. Department of Education. I don't believe the Constitution gives the Fed authority to dictate to the states federal standards and polices.
The 10th Amendment states:
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.
Any public education system should be funded and managed at the state level.
Second, I've reversed my previous opinion on homeschooling. I used to have my doubts about it. But today I'm actually impressed with some of the results I've seen in homeschool curriculum development and increasing state policies that give homeschooling parents more support. I'd like to see states encourage home schooling by offering tax exemptions for parents who homeschool or who have formed their own private homeschooling cooperatives.
Third, I think the public school systems are very top heavy. Too many administrators and not enough teachers. Also, administration shouldn't be making the awesomely high salaries they are making in some cases while teachers still serve in one of the lowest paid careers in America. Trim the fat at the top and pay teachers more. I also think teachers should not be so heavily regulated. I'm against standardized testing. I'm also against "zero tolerance" policies that are void of all common sense.
Fourth, The main reason why I'm leery about the idea of abolishing public schools is because I don't want to live in a nation of illiterates. Even with public education the average citizen is nearly illiterate. Most cashiers I've seen can't do math today. And again, that's with having public education. Imagine how bad it would be if we had no public educational system.
Side Note:
The statement I'm about to make is only a side note: I think schools should stop teaching only to standardized tests and college entry standards. I think parents and kids should have more options when it comes to their child's education. For example, different educational tracks. Some tracks could be designed to prepare a child for college. Some paths could be designed to prepare a child for a career in a trade. Those on the college track could have electives in a trade, just to back them up some. Those on the trade track could have a secondary trade as an elective to back them up.
There is good money to be found in the trades. In addition, so few are skilled in the trades because we've become so focused on educating our kids for "college". College isn't for everyone. And there should be no shame in saying that. Because having a college education doesn't make one intelligent. And knowing how to work with one's hands in a trade doesn't automatically make one less intelligent. My experience has often been the exact opposite. So, I think our public educational systems should bring in a greater focus on the trades.