I think pretty much everyone in my internet homeschooling circle has probably seen this article on this school, which is refusing to implement advanced classes for its advanced students. What do y'all think about this?
There's a discussion going on about this article in the comments section on Jeff's blog. If you feel like chiming in, please do.
I understand that our public schools need to do a much better job on teaching the basics. But I just cannot accept that that means we must sideline bright students in the process. The law says that these kids must be in school. In that case, school should provide for their needs. It doesn't apply for my family, of course, as we've already taken our kids' needs into our own hands. I remember, though, being bright and bored. School is a waste of time for some people. Why do we insist that those people stay there anyway?
The law says that education is compulsory. The NEA says that the absolute best way to get an education is through the public schools. If so, then the schools must provide for both the slow learners and the fast learners. There must be some system that does not sacrifice one group for the needs of the other.
Posted by Steph at June 10, 2003 04:20 PMOh my gosh! That's the high school from which my husband graduated!
:::forwarding to him:::
~AK
Posted by: Alaska on June 10, 2003 08:35 PMYes there is a system and it is called Montessori but you won't see it in very many public schools. One of the main reasons I am homeschooling is because our primary schools will not provide accelerated curriculum. Every child does the same thing at the same time and the same pace, no exceptions. At least if there were a Montessori elementary school near us, I'd know that my child chooses his work based on his interest and his teacher is there to guide him to more or less challenging work as needed. No such luxury exists near me so I feel I'm making the next-best choice available to us.
I wish I knew why public schools do not adopt more Montessori methods and curriculum. I remember walking into my son's preschool a few months back during the middle of the day. I was struck by how quiet the building was. I whispered to the administrator was it naptime and she said, "no, they are just busy." Sure enough, every child was occupied with something to do and engrossed in their own work. No one was talking or being silly or causing trouble.
Honestly, can you imagine a public school where a teacher goes up to each student and quietly tells him or her, "I am about to present a lesson on leaves. Come sit over here if you want to hear it?" Optional lessons? It would be funny if it weren't so sad.
Posted by: Stacy on June 12, 2003 07:16 PM