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Wednesday, March 02, 2005 More Thoughts for Bette Aloha Michael: Another thought about education and it's about what I call the dumming down of America. Today curriculum is watered down, tests are watered down, teachers aren't paid well, so quality of teaching is watered down. There are a lot of jobs out there but we're not giving children the education they need to take them. The political ramifications are scary. We graduate millions with limited or no skills, these individuals become very easy to control politically, and have a tendency to demand endless entitlements from the government, so we move closer and closer to socialism. What happened to quality teaching, challenging curriculum, letting youngsters know they can be successful, and exposing them to the fascinating careers out there today. There's no support given on the road to educational success? How about building the confidence they need. My grandson, who is a senior in high school, is an A student, two years in the Air Force Civil Patrol Program, has TWO CLASSES a day, that's it. He's out of school by 11:30 AM. This happens everywhere, and we wonder why teens get into trouble???? Where does all that money go that is poured into education?????? The verizon e-mail problem we experienced for a week resulted in quite a backlog. After scanning a number of Civic Digests I realized how many of the articles are negative, gloomy, and critical. For all the topics that are negatively discussed, no one offers any solutions. If half the amount of energy that goes into being critical went into developing solutions, it might make a difference. I did learn some things about Ireland. I've decided in my life I like working on solutions rather than being part of the problems! A hui hou, Bette Bette, You are right. A major problem. In many ways the root of so many things wrong nowadays. You, Bill Gates and countless others have the same concern. Education is where it is at. My suggestions are to get the bureaucracy out of education. It needs to be more local in direction. The teachers are the most important aspect. We need to back the teachers. Too much funding goes into administration. We can all recall a teacher who inspired us, who turned us on. A teacher who stimulated us into independent thinking. We do not need emphasis on regimentation. Standardization of test scores nationally ignores the uniqueness of so many areas in our large country. Robert Reich has recently suggested that funding should not depend on local property taxes. This hurts lower income areas and means they receive less funding. Of course this impacts on the quality of education in areas where it is most needed. Students need to be taught how to do things for themselves in constructive ways. Otherwise why not make an easy career of the drug business? To get to the nitty gritty everyone needs to get more involved. Not just the politicians but more important the parents and the rest of the people. We are all effected by the quality of education. Raising all boats can only help in every way. Get on the school board. Be active in PTA's. Local participation is the key. You write of reading all the negative news. In running the Civic List I have many times despaired. Where is there anything with a bright future? Well, it is right here. We are the bright future. No matter what side of the fence you are on to enter the stream of dialogue is the answer. In the past I served in many governmental ways. Should I withdraw? No one should. In any way we need to keep involved. Carpe Diem Michael |
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Come Back Jesus Render unto Caesar... More On Merchants of Death Armaments Are Our Business The Crux of the Problem How Can We Leave! Our Next Attorney General and... Spin About Compassion Compassionate Consevative ARCHIVES December 2004 January 2005 February 2005 March 2005 April 2005 May 2005 June 2005 July 2005 August 2005 September 2005 October 2005 November 2005
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