There was a very interesting article about the “usefulness” of public schools. I will say it is an opinion piece and I realize that, but the headline itself made me think. The idea of public education isn’t entirely “new” but the idea of private, individualized education is older and more established.
I don’t believe homeschooling is for every child, but I don’t believe public schools are either. The statistics are extremely negative for most of the states. Of course, numbers aren’t something we can wrap our minds around. But if just one child loses his or her chance at a good education – it should be tragic.
In a world where specialization is the name of the game, public education is (for the most part) generalized. I can chose what news items pop up on my version of a news website, but in school the education is the same for each student. We are able to pick what color our iPod shuffle comes in – but not how we learn to read and write.
People have screamed forever about smaller class room sizes, more pay for good teachers, but there’s still problems. While “No Child Left Behind” has attempted to address these problems, the solutions are slow in coming.
So the question remains.. have public schools outlived their usefulness?
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19/06/2007 at 10:20 pm Permalink
No. Step in to one and you’ll see why. It isn’t for everyone, but for those who are being failed (or worse) at home the public school is their way out. PS is becoming more individualized and meeting the needs of all learners. NCLB only makes it MORE difficult for teachers to do their job because they are too busy completing documentation. It is truly overwhelming. There has to be a better way.
You’re right, it isn’t for everyone. Still a necessity.