Political beliefs (Education)

I had a good education when I was growing up.  I was fortunate enough to have my parents send me to a private grade school and high school.

Education matters.  Being taught “How to Think” not what to think is paramount.

My suggestion for this is:

The State should supply not just k through 12, but college as well.

But not everyone is capable of higher education. Obviously, parents need to take an active role. But from a financial stand point and an educational stand point school needs to be HARD and challenging. If a student falls behind, a student should not be permitted to pass to the next grade. Education is like building a wall with bricks. You cannot lay the 7th layer if layers 2 & 3 are missing.

 

If a student cannot pass a grade that student will obviously have to take the year over again.

At that point the parents will have to start picking up some of the expenses.  Say 25%Subsequent failure will be at 50%, 75%, and then 100%

Before a student is permitted to begin college level classes, they must be able to pass the same tests that an immigrant must pass to gain citizenship.

At collegiate level failure means you must pay 100% to retake courses.

I can go on and on about the importance of parents taking an active role in a child’s education.

But obviously in these days many parents are either not able to dedicate the time or are not interested in taking the time. My suggestion will allow a motivated child to become a doctor or a scientist and escape poverty if they apply themselves.

Additionally, education should not be a one-size-fits-all prospect. There should not be a federal education system. Education should be something decided by the city county with standards maintained by each state.  If you do not like the way the schools are in one city, county, state… you can attend another.  There should be no restriction on where you can send your kids to school. But it is the parent’s responsibility to make sure they get there if not within the city that they reside.

 

Obviously, this idea will fall victim to the same issues our current system has right now.

Teachers only teaching to pass exams. Forcing through kids even when they cannot make the grade (or read at all).

At the moment, teachers themselves are graded by the success of the students, so it is in their best interest to pass students whether or not the student has earned it.

I am not sure how to jump that hurtle.  With a private school, parents have a financial motivation to make sure that their children buckle down and learn.

The private school has a financial incentive to provide a stellar education (or parents won’t pay to send their kids there)

But I am not sure how you motivate a public-school teacher to maintain strict standards.

What can motivate a teacher to fail 90% of their class if 90% of the class is not doing the work?

 

Some other thoughts.

I think Politics & religion should not be taught in grade school… AT ALL.

I think in freshman year (9th grade) students should be required to spend an entire year (one class) learning how our federal government works in theory and in practice (leaving the political leanings out of it entirely)

In Sophomore year (10th Grade) students should learn how their state government is organized

in Junior Year (11th grade) I think students should learn how county & city governments are organized and all the different methods various cities choose to govern.

In Senior year (12th grade) Students should learn about the various political parties and how they operate. Their history, voting record etc.