Originally Posted by galvestonangel

I don't see anything wrong with computers and calulators after they have learned the basic concepts. By learning the basics in every subject, they have been taught how to think, the "why' and "how". In Texas, the students have to take a TAKS test, schools are graded on how many students pass. And Seniors have to pass to graduate. So what do our schools do, they take 2 to 3 weeks out of the school year to teach the test, negates what the test is supposed to show.

Cursive should be taught because it uses both sides of the brain which is a good thing. It has been proven that boys and girls learn in different ways and that they learn better in all girls or all boy classes. But segregation covers that, so instead of making the classroom a better place to learn, they rather use laws that are not good for education.

Also in some homes, the parents are not supportive. That includes the poor to the rich. Some don't care, some do, but don't have time. That can make a big difference in the attitude toward an education.

Also some schools treat the students like cattle. I think each child is entitled to respect as a human being. If they are treated with respect, they will do better.

My youngest 3 grands have had their curiousity encouraged since they were infants. They all love school and are very bright. Before they started school, I would buy them workbooks that exposed them to learning numbers, words, etc.

You hear of kids getting thru school with out learning to read, they just keep passing them instead of taking the time to help them.

I think times have gotten a little better and I know there are some excellent teachers and schools, but there are still to many missing the point.

We have one district that all schools have been rated the highest score and the district spends less per child than most of the other school districts, so it's not the money.
I would never have moved to where I am now, if my children were still in school, their reputation has been terrible for 30 yr or more and they spend a lot of money per child, go figure.

Sorry this is so long, but bad schools and bad teachers are really a subject that gets my goat. I hate to think of a child not getting the education they deserve. What is the answer or answers? I am not sure, but we need to start somewhere. We are not ranked at the top in the world, and with all our advantages, we should be.