How do we fix education in this country? - Page 7

Scucca · 05-26-08, 02:23 PM

I'd suggest that any education "fix" must concentrate on eliminating the tail of underachievers. Too much expenditure is wasted on low value-added provision of certification to the middle classes. Consider, for example, expenditure per student. The OECD average in 2003 prices was $11,254. The US was a substantial $24,074 (Source: OECD Factbook 2007: Economic, Environmental, and Social Statistics). Given student achievements, that is woeful inefficiency.

The British have adopted a managerialist approach to school improvement. The focus has been placed on raising standards at school level, with head teachers receiving a barrage planning frameworks, targets and the communication of bucket loads of 'good practice' advice. However, often the government has failed to adequately increase funding. For example, basic errors such as funding according to student numbers has been followed. A tad silly, given failing schools have falling numbers and therefore experienced a vicious cycle.

Layla_Z · 05-26-08, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aegyptos

I'm sorry. Perhaps you didn't see my answer to your question. Let me repeat it so you cannot miss it this time. My answer to the question you asked me is:

The educrat establishment. Your professors at teacher's college.

That isn't an answer that makes sense. If that is all you can do as a result of your education I can see why you are so negative about it.
You said:"I think there was a change in the way teachers are prepared and in the ideas that were put into teacher candidates head's that led to the poor results we have been experiencing."

I wondered what ways in which teachers were prepared you were referring to and what ideas you meant. Now, I am also curious when you worked on your education degree. You must have attended at lease some classes to know how teachers are prepared.

Layla_Z · 05-26-08, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aegyptos

No, not really.

I had hoped for something better out of this group of progressives but the last week or so have shown me that the young libs here are too green and stupid to debate with and those in your cohort are too much in denial to be rational.

So are you taking your toys and going home.

aegyptos · 05-26-08, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Layla_Z

That isn't an answer that makes sense. If that is all you can do as a result of your education I can see why you are so negative about it.
You said:"I think there was a change in the way teachers are prepared and in the ideas that were put into teacher candidates head's that led to the poor results we have been experiencing."

I wondered what ways in which teachers were prepared you were referring to and what ideas you meant. Now, I am also curious when you worked on your education degree. You must have attended at lease some classes to know how teachers are prepared.

I have two daughters. One of my daughters is a elementary school teacher in Boulder, Colorado. The other is a prosecutor in Santa Fe, NM. We also have teachers on my wife's side of the family. I am well acquainted with their education and their level of intellectual accomplishment. There is a reason why one daughter went into teaching and the other went into law. Do I need to draw you a picture?

aegyptos · 05-26-08, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Layla_Z

So are you taking your toys and going home.

No. Dream on, Sweetie. I'm just not going to make much of an effort for the likes of you. You're not worth much.

independent_thinker2002 · 05-26-08, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aegyptos

I have two daughters. One of my daughters is a elementary school teacher in Boulder, Colorado. The other is a prosecutor in Santa Fe, NM. We also have teachers on my wife's side of the family. I am well acquainted with their education and their level of intellectual accomplishment. There is a reason why one daughter went into teaching and the other went into law. Do I need to draw you a picture?

What is that reason?