Is the American public education system in crisis?

[FriendofSpurgeon]

Well, thanks for speaking up, FriendofSpurgeon. :thumbsand Tater!) Of course there would be public schools that work. What, systemically, do you think are the reasons why your children's schools are doing well?

Here are some of the reasons --

• Excellent elementary and middle schools provide a good foundation
• Higher percentage than average of two parent homes
• Higher socio-economic area; parents are well-educated and place a high priority upon education
• High percentage of home ownership compared renting -- which creates a stable environment; for example, there are very few apartments in the school distict
• High degree of consistency in the area -- many people have lived in this area for a long time; also, many people that grew up return to the area to have their children grow up here too.

 

[faithgirl46]

Some things to clarify...

How do teachers magically make a fail mark a pass? Is it that the papers are not returned to the students so the evidence is not available?

Teachers are pressured strong armed to pass a failing student due to pressure from the coaches to let their key player play in spite of the fact that he is failing and failing miserably. To accomplish this a student who had a 100 on their paprer will have their score reduced to 95, another student who had a 95 will have their score reduced to 90 and thelike. Theseare ball park figures. I have heard about this on the news shows and read about other incidents in a magazine.
Faithgirl

 

[Bro. Williams]

Beyond the sports situation is the current NCLB government push where the state and federal regulations seem to nearly make it a crime to fail a student.

 

[faithgirl46]

I also saw or read that parents get upset when Johnny or Susie gt a failing grade and demand that the teacher change it. There is no personal responsiblity.

 

[FriendofSpurgeon]

I also saw or read that parents get upset when Johnny or Susie gt a failing grade and demand that the teacher change it. There is no personal responsiblity.

I've also seen or read such things, but have never known about it personally. I would assume that these things occur as much in private schools as much as public (if not more).

 

[FriendofSpurgeon]

Some things to clarify...

How do teachers magically make a fail mark a pass? Is it that the papers are not returned to the students so the evidence is not available?

Teachers are pressured strong armed to pass a failing student due to pressure from the coaches to let their key player play in spite of the fact that he is failing and failing miserably. To accomplish this a student who had a 100 on their paprer will have their score reduced to 95, another student who had a 95 will have their score reduced to 90 and thelike. Theseare ball park figures. I have heard about this on the news shows and read about other incidents in a magazine.
Faithgirl

Yes, there are always issues with athletics -- in both high schools and college. However ...

1 - This is not a public school issue; this happens all over
2 - I have never heard of other students' grades being reduced so an athlete's grades can be higher

I think this is less of an issue today than it has been in the past. Just last week, I saw a college coach suspend a starting football player for two games for missing a study hall and being late to a team meeting. Most coaches take academics very seriously.

 

[FriendofSpurgeon]

Florida seems to be very different from KY. Here, we have the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Tests (FCAT) for reading, science & mathematics. These annual tests are required for all public school students.

When Florida first introduced this, students in 4th grade had to pass the reading portion to be promoted to 5th grade -- no matter what their grades were. After the NCLB Act, this test was moved down to the 3rd grade. You don't pass the FCAT, you don't go to the 4th grade.

Also, high school students must pass the 10th grade Reading & Mathematices FCAT to graduate (soon this will include the writing portion as well). If you don't pass the FCAT, you don't graduate -- plain and simple.

 

[faithgirl46]

I've also seen or read such things, but have never known about it personally. I would assume that these things occur as much in private schools as much as public (if not more).

I saw this on a tv magazine show or read about it in Reader's Digest.
Faithgirl