human kind. An open house in my son’s middle school’s art class showed that many children, when asked to draw freely drew devils, monsters, and other hideous creatures and depicted violent acts. This artwork was displayed to parents, who were visibly shaken and distraught over these illustrations.
The key phrase of the time was “Higher order thinking skills are most important in this environment of technology”. Never mind that children cannot add or multiply two simple figures in their head, without the use of a calculator. It seemed as though common sense skills, according to curriculum masters were no longer necessary.
After years of following “experts” advice, the conclusion is that they are very misdirected in their philosophy. This severe inaccuracy of child guidance has resulted in a significant majority of children that are unable to contend with the basic requirements and issues of life.
My daughter has graduated from high school and my son is in 11th grade. Neither will benefit from any new school reforms. The suggestions offered are based on experiences (theirs and mine) with the school district and Albany mandated curriculum. The hope is that other children will benefit thus ensuring future competent leaders and citizens.
1. Textbooks are a teaching tool and usually cover a full school year’s curriculum. Textbooks should be used. A teacher should not deny the use of the designated textbook in favor of endless “creative” lessons. Curriculum in the textbook needs to be closely followed to ensure that the required skills and knowledge are acquired by the student. The teacher and the students have a full schedule abiding by the textbook curriculum and accompanying materials (ie: workbooks). An effective teacher corrects student’s work thoroughly, plans future lessons, and contacts parents regarding student’s progress when necessary, without having to plan constant creative lessons.
2. Teachers should be only responsible for teaching the basic grade levels’ required curriculum. These include English, mathematics, science, social studies/history, and a foreign language if grade appropriate (*Authors note: At that time I did not realize the vital importance of Bible study to the complete education of the child.) Extra curricula are the responsibility of parents and the religious organization to which the child is affiliated. Too much subject matter to cover results in a rushed and/or “watered down” curriculum. Other topics are not the responsibility of the school district.
3. The mathematics curriculum needs to emphasize universal life mathematics skills. Additional and more advanced skills are the curriculum of colleges and universities. A suggestion for high school students is to require a year long course on Federal and State income tax filing. Certainly, different scenarios can be explored and computed using basic arithmetic skills and the deciphering skills required in solving word problems. The result of this educational agenda, should lend itself to adults that can understand their own financial situation. Also, this will probably result in greater honesty in filing. Accountants know all the “loopholes” the average person does not.