The American Spectator

(Page 3 of 9)

Social graduation. Exemption from exams, or meeting the standards of those exams. Low requirements of the exams.

You know... I think my future children are going to be homeschooled, from top to bottom. It's an idea I've been kicking around for a while inside my head, there's no need for practical consideration as yet, future children are still only a theory at this point. But I still can't help but wonder just what has happened to schools of this country. It's even odder because I work in an industry that directly supports our schools. I know that board members and staff really want to do what's best and prepare children for their futures. So where is the disconnect?

I think that Fred Thompson nailed it when he called the teacher union the greatest threat to our schools. I think the idea of only public education is also a serious threat, as it both supports the teacher union and listens to it with too large an ear. The total lack of objective standards to evaluate teachers are another major problem. But the biggest single problem is lowered expectations. With the lack of competition and rewards for achievement, we have removed all incentive for our students to get out there and do better.

Now, let's get real about education. Absent any serious disabilities, there is no reason for a 17-year-old [not] to be able to do each of the following:

Read and evaluation a written essay, able to identify the central idea, the main arguments in support of that idea, and provide a reasonable response in support or dissent.

Perform mathematical operations on level with "Algebra 2" complexity. The simple fact is that until you reach trigonometry, you're still dealing with basic arithmetic

Answer and evaluate basic questions from a wide verity of physical sciences.

Identify significant dates and figures in the history of the United States, their state of residence, and civilization as a whole. Basic history, folks.

Know the Bill of Rights and the main powers of the three government braches as outlined in the Constitution.

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