For an ever-increasing number of families the public school system simply does not work. This is especially true for children with special needs. These families are finding that private schools, charter schools, supplemental learning through a special education tutor, and homeschooling are viable alternatives to their local public schools. There are five key areas where schools are failing.
5 Areas Where The Public School System Is Failing
- For far too many families, schools have crossed a boundary. They dictate what their children eat, wear, and how they speak. The public school system has taken charge of subjects previously left to the discretion of parents – most notably in the areas of race, religion and sex.
- Common sense. It is a rare week that goes by without a news story of being punished for things that, in the past, would not even have warranted a note from the teacher: child suspended for biting a pop tart into the shape of a gun; valedictorian forbidden to use the word “God” in a graduation speech; removal of flags from classrooms to prevent offending anyone; banning games like tag from the playground lest someone get hurt.
- Test mania. The national focus on competing with other nations to have the best students has led schools into focusing on raising test scores rather than helping students master content. Kids who have learning disabilities and special needs are often lost in the craze for raising test scores. Parents of teens are beginning realize the the SAT/ACT/AP tests are measures of test-taking ability rather than measures of actual knowledge.
- Keeping pace. Schools have been the same for over 100 years. Families are taking notice and moving to homeschooling and other alternatives in droves. The internet offers instant, real-time access to up-to-date knowledge on any subject at minimal cost. Special education resources abound. Traditional schools simply cannot adapt quickly enough nor can they compete.
- Follow the money. Today’s public schools are influenced by a handful of corporations. Pearson, the largest educational publishing company (among other educational endeavors) was actively involved in designing the Common Core. Schools incorporate sponsored television stations, sponsored activities (Chips Ahoy activity books), corporately sponsored fundraising (GM’s box top program), contests sponsored by companies like BrainStorm USA are set up in exchange for demographic information and the list goes on.
Knowledge is power. The more parents learn about local, state and national issues affecting the public school system, the better equipped they are to take charge of their child’s education.
What are your thoughts on the deterioration of the public school system?
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