Recent Comments
Re: “Perspectives in Education: Tarrey Banks”
This looking the same, scoring the same...seems to me that the issue is that government entities don't champion or foster innovation or creative thinking. Their job is to churn out taxpayers. They answer to no one but themselves, whereas a private organization has to answer (and get buy-in) from consumers or a board.
I'm sorry, but I would much rather see my children's school re-named Chuck E. Cheese Elementary if that means their teachers are compensated well and have autonomy, and that children have access to the best technology, facilities and resources.
Interestingly, Diane Ravitch lauds what appears to be the Catholic school model in her book The Death and Life of the Great American School System. Catholic schools have historically ran leaner financially while accomplishing equal to better graduation rates and testing scores, and have generally served underpriviledged children much better than public schools have. And more importantly, they encourage (demand) parent participation and involve the whole family in a child's education. Sounds pretty refreshing, huh?
From someone who has worked in the private sector all her life, it's maddening to see how schools and the educational system is managed. There has got to be a better way.
Re: “Perspectives in Education: Tarrey Banks”
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/01/us/01rel…
Here is an article on Ravitch and the Catholic school model. I think it's worth some consideration.
I do agree with you, Annette, that curriculum needs to be based on child-development, not on test scores or adult convenience. I do hope that something can be done before it's too late. I think this groundswell of concern by people like us is a step in the right direction.