(09-25-2009 05:49 PM)Machiavelli Wrote:  Here's an idea, let's have primary schools use methods that are proven reliable and successful. Let's target core needs: Reading/spelling, arithmetic (including time, money, english units of measurement) and geography. Secondary topics, such as history, grammar/punctuation, science, etc will come about as these other subjects are mastered and/or applied. Let's not be afraid of rote memorization at this age, but be willing to use a variety of tools (games, flash cards, spelling bees, drills, music, AV applications) to reinforce this learning.

Then ininstead of trying to let some central planning committee make all the decisions (whether they're in DC or your local county seat), how about parents get options to decide what's best for their kid for advanced studies? They could have area schools w/ the same mission: developing students to meet their individual goals, but different areas of emphasis to match the students' different missions...



I agree with most of what is said here. I've taught secondary sciences for 16 years now. In that time I've went through 6 courses of study. In each revision or implementation you get a "theme du jour". It's been birthday cake science. Earth,Physical, Life, then chem and physics in layers. Then there was this push into integrated sciences where you had units around a theme. Pressure was a unit. One chapter you talked about pressures in living systems. Then pressures in physical systems. (think air pressure weather etc etc.) Then Earth science had a chapter on volcanoes. After that we had the less is more group think. Now Performance Indicators with standards that are a mile wide and an inch deep. Now with the D team in cahrge in Columbus I gaurantee more changes coming down the pike.

I'm not against the token chip as much as I was earlier in my career. The only beef I have is if public schools become the dumping ground for the dipshits, but maybe it would motivate communities. I don't know. If you don't want to teach in a poor community get better at your craft and go to a better community. I get that. Competition is a powerful motivator.

I think you got it pretty well figured out....Now go to your bureaucrats in charge and convince them. I got your back.