Island1fox..
In your solution, are you saying private schools where parents pay the entire cost? or are you talking of a voucher system? Private schools are a great option if you as a parent can afford it. But I don't see how most could.
What is a progressive disciplinary system where no corporal punishment is involved? I'm not saying I disagree, but what is step 1, step 2, step 3... etc.
Why do you dislike charter schools and prefer reformatories?
What's your opinion of home schooling?
I agree in theory that education is important and it's critical our children get a good education.
I see the problem as the administration in schools often don't back the teachers and they let kids off with no penalties in the classroom. I also see teachers overall not being paid enough.
I believe our school system should have the following in place:
1. Longer school year. 180 days does not make sense. Summer vacation initially existed due to farmers needing their kids to work the fields. That doesn't occur anymore. No reason that school isn't much longer time period and longer school day.
2. Teaching salary should increase due to the longer work day and days working. Also, I see some kind of bonus for teachers to help offset college costs. Also, I see that instead of straight out pay rates based on seniority. They can receive incentive raises based on the average increase in their students test scores.
3. Speaking of test scores. One national tests instead of tests state by state. Give all the kids similar tests in reading\math\science\History etc. Rank the states\school districts and schools and most importantly teachers on how much progress has been made. I've spoken to companies that issue statewide tests. They indicate that the tests they give out are different to each state and some states like New Mexico are real easy compared to other states.
4. Alternate teaching. Not sure if people saw the 60 minutes article on "Khan Academy" (khanacademy.org). Great ideas are coming from private sector in how to teach students. New ideas like this should be implemented. Other great learning opportunities in STEM fields are being done by usfirst.org
5. Motivation: Not sure how to do it, but there needs to be motivation for kids (and possibly parents too) to get kids to go to school and try.
beenthere,
My point on Private schools --if you are a parent and pay full cost --I have no say on how YOUR children are educated --the only exception is that the State SHOULD HAVE the right to insist that a child attend school -at least until the age of 18 --although Obamacare has now recognized children up until age 26.
A Progressive disciplinary system could easily be developed with verbal warnings, documented warnings and suspensions --notifying both the student and the parent-----the real deterrent will be the mandatory technical school. If it comes down to a student either discharged or drops out --the state gives the parents and minor a few choices --military school and than active duty or a State controlled reformatory -to form social skills as well as to train in various technical career skills.
As far as motivation in the STATE technical school --weekend passes --telephone use, computer use, sports activities, tv, movies are all used as earned or not.
Homework and test scores will used to give or take above mentioned activities.
I do not favor Charter schools because only a selected FEW will escape the chaotic public system. We have to get control so that the teachers are given an opportunity to teach and then we can hold them accountable. The amount of violence and disruption on a daily basis would shock most American's if they were made aware of it.
Once the PUBLIC SCHOOL system --that we all pay for -children or not --is functioning properly --no need for "Charter schools" and most people would send their children to safe and efficient schools rather than homeschool.
The money saved by not diverting to a Charter School would support top notch Technical Schools with highly motivated and skilled professionals as Teachers and substitute parents. Not all but many "childen" will be saved from a wasted life of crime.
The out of control "student" is one of the major reasons the schools are failing. Teachers and students are in fear --the disruptions reduce learning for all ---no one wants to identify the REAL problem --because of political correctness.
In todays system Problem "students" after causing major disruption --DROP OUT --of schools --enter crime --gangs , drugs robberies --we PAY again ---they are sent to Prison --we PAY again---they come out of Prison --"father" children out of wedlock --we PAY again--they collect all "entitlement programs" --WE PAY AGAIN --their illegitimate children attend school ---AND THE CYCLE CONTINUES.
This is almost as stupid as the dopey liberal press and millions of American's are tuned in to the Zimmerman trial.
There will be thousands and thousands of gang related killings in the inner cities --much of it minority on minority --with ILLEGAL GUNS --in tough GUN CONTROLL states --and --again because of political correctness --nothing is done. The press will just convince us the Zimmerman trial is --black vs White and is the most important. Go figure ????
