It's hard to just agree or disagree. There are some things that the public schools are getting right (at least in my area... part of the problem is it isn't reliable in all areas). I still feel the bad outweighs the good, so we homeschool, but we are still centered around testing and books, etc. DD actually really likes the "academic" feel of it, and thrives on it, but it allows us the freedom to get out and do more with our day if we feel the need or want.
I think the No Child Left Behind intentions may have been good, but there are a number of ill effects, just as this cartoon is picturing. Gym classes are cut out, along with the arts and other things that don't fit into the testing model.
I wish it was as easy as saying "X will fix the system", but it isn't. Until then, we will be schooling at home and building the future we aim for instead of falling in line with what is handed to us.
I think as educators we must remember that learning is important and not the tool. Some discipline is also necessary as is taught by our Deen, for example our five daily salaahs teach us discipline in our lives but apart from that we are individuals and so are our children so within Islamic boundaries every one should be given the freedom to choose his/her own learning style.
It's hard to just agree or disagree. There are some things that the public schools are getting right (at least in my area... part of the problem is it isn't reliable in all areas). I still feel the bad outweighs the good, so we homeschool, but we are still centered around testing and books, etc. DD actually really likes the "academic" feel of it, and thrives on it, but it allows us the freedom to get out and do more with our day if we feel the need or want.
ReplyDeleteI think the No Child Left Behind intentions may have been good, but there are a number of ill effects, just as this cartoon is picturing. Gym classes are cut out, along with the arts and other things that don't fit into the testing model.
I wish it was as easy as saying "X will fix the system", but it isn't. Until then, we will be schooling at home and building the future we aim for instead of falling in line with what is handed to us.
I think as educators we must remember that learning is important and not the tool. Some discipline is also necessary as is taught by our Deen, for example our five daily salaahs teach us discipline in our lives but apart from that we are individuals and so are our children so within Islamic boundaries every one should be given the freedom to choose his/her own learning style.
ReplyDelete