However, we need to look at thinks in the proper context. Forcing every child through twelve years of schooling with curriculum based on Shakespeare, algebra and geometry and standardized testing with artificially induced stress factor (timing) strikes me as utter nonsense. It turns off many kids who have neither interest nor ability to learn Shakespeare or algebra but who could be good cooks, hair stylists, carpenters, entertainers or artists. If these kids could go to alternative programs that teach these skills both them and the society as a whole would benefit. But dragging them, through high schools with focus on algebra and literature is counterproductive for these kids and for the teachers.
So while curriculum in these schools is not "standardized" in terms of local yokels being able to add their own idiosyncrasies it is standardized in the sense of using the same model of education - one that is designed for college bound kids, and for the most part ignoring the needs of those who have no interest in college.
Wojtek
On Tue, Nov 10, 2009 at 1:13 AM, Joanna <123hop at comcast.net> wrote:
> Woj writes:
>
> "For that reason, I am really "on the fence" on this issue. On the one
> hand,
> I think that the one-size-fits-all philosophy behind public education
> sucks, and charter schools do offer an antidote to it. Otoh, I do support
> teachers and thier unions, and I think charter schools would be very
> detrimental to both."
>
> One size fits all? You think public schools in Palo Alto and East Palo Alto
> are the same?
> You think charters will change that?
>
> Charters mean the complete destruction of the teaching profession. It's not
> just that already low salaries will get lower and that teachers will lose
> their unions, benefits, rights etc., it's also that the profession will
> become de-skilled as the professional curriculum developers and test makers
> create educational content and rake in the bucks. The charters in the
> wealthier areas of town will be a bit better, and the rich will continue to
> send their kids to private schools. But overall, this is a disaster.
>
> Joanna
>
>
>
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