"Truth is, those children who in the past would have developed

[DarkPhenyx]

into dynamic, well-rounded citizensare the ones most likely to fail. Those who really wanted to learn, rather than just achieve good grades. Those who could not stifle their natural energy and curiosity are now likely to become problem children. The school system will do everything it can to reform them, to correct them... even drugging them if they act out their dissatisfaction."

http://babelogue.citypages.com:8080/bsmith/2004/09/24

[iconoclastic cat]

1. Now, wait just a dog-damned second...

I may have been drinking for the past hour, but I think I can still summon the coherence to refute this tripe. What this little editorial is basically saying is the same anti-factory-model-education diatribe that has been waved around for decades. Sure, the forced drugging is a problem, as is the use of standardized tests as a precursor to punitive action instead of corrective re-engineering--but as for this whole "hey, teacher, leave that kid alone" crap, I must call BULLSHIT!

Listen: Children cannot learn unless they feel safe. The teacher's job is to structure the learning environment in such a way that ensures the safety of all of the students in that room. If anyone--including a student--threatens that environment, that student is effectively robbing his or her fellow classmates of both their security and knowledge that will empower them to be responsible citizens of a functioning republic. The student who creates this threat is not "expressing" himself or herself--he or she is oppressing his or her classmates and creating a climate of fear and insecurity which is antithetical to learning.

The teacher's job is, above all else, to empower the students in his or her charge. That means that safety and security must be maintained. If a student wants to freak out and be creative, do what I did: start a punk rock band, shave his or her head, and wear clothing designed for the opposite sex. Rock out.

Do not, however, even think of messing with your classmates and their best hope for a future.

[Maple]

2. We'll assume

that's sarcasm, since your post has nothing to do with what the article said.

[Eloriel]

3. Sarcasm? -- or the booze? n/t

[Sugarbleus]

4. LOL--->"If a student wants to freak out.........

and be creative, do what I did: start a punk rock band, shave his or her head, and wear clothing designed for the opposite sex. Rock out.

I didn't read the article either....but just had a good chuckle at this! heheeh

[Nikia]

5. The workplace doesn't really want talented workers

They can be intelligent and creative if they are supposed to be research and development scientists or magazine writers. Other than that, most employers prefer workers who will do exactly as they are told and not question authority. Intelligent and creative people are usuaully unsuitable for lower levels of employment. People are suppose to behave like machines.

[earthmuffin1970]

6. And this is why I homeschool....

My two middle daughters are being homeschooled...the 6th grader by choice..she did not feel comfortable with her math skills to handle the transition to a new middle school (we moved over the summer, and she would really be alone at the new school...very scary for her. Our 9 year old 4th grader is homeschooled because she has a myriad of learning differences. She has ADHD, a sensory integration disorder, as well as possible dyslexia and dysgraphia. She also has problems processing math. If you were to speak to her, you would never know. She is the most articulate person, with a sense of humor that is sophisticated beyond her years. She is just a hyper-kinetic auditory learner, who needs to use a computer to write, and to move at her own pace. So, we decided to bring her home. She was all too aware that the other kids in her class were all progreesing..the teachers color coded the different levels of work packets...she knew she was on the first one all year. She is so much happier now, we are able to shift focus as needed, and she is so proud of what she is accomplishing. And for those of you who think she needs to be taught to manage "in the real world", let me remind you that she is only 9. When she has the maturity to match her intellect, we can work on techniques for that. Right now, I just want her to know she is as brilliant as she is. The rest will come in time.

A public school education would never be able to provide her with that.

[chicagojoe]

7. A public school education COULD be a great thing...

...if only the selfish, anti-public education swine would stop trying to undermine public education.
What really amazes me is the fact that all these clowns that want to do away with public education don't send their kids to public schools.
It's all private education with these people. Why do they feel they have a voice in this?