More than half of the public school educators "felt private-school education was best for students." I'm not sure how to interpret that, but it's unsettling.

 

Also from the story:

 

For example, nearly nine in 10 public school educators had an incorrect view that student achievement here (KY) equals or exceeds national averages.

 

The rest of the story

Personally I feel that the difference between what makes a school good vs bad has less to do with the people educating and more with the person being taught. Good students make good schools. At a selective private school the learning environment will, in most cases, be more competitive, less distractive, and more productive than in a public school half serving as a public babysitter for kids with no interest in learning. The proof can be seen in selective public school programs, like magnate schools and traditional schools that have proven to be on par with private schools.

Personally I feel that the difference between what makes a school good vs bad has less to do with the people educating and more with the person being taught. Good students make good schools. At a selective private school the learning environment will, in most cases, be more competitive, less distractive, and more productive than in a public school half serving as a public babysitter for kids with no interest in learning. The proof can be seen in selective public school programs, like magnate schools and traditional schools that have proven to be on par with private schools.

 

We agree, RRR, 100%. I have experience with both sides and can speak highly of both and can be critical of both sides.

 

Its a people business.

Personally I feel that the difference between what makes a school good vs bad has less to do with the people educating and more with the person being taught. Good students make good schools. At a selective private school the learning environment will, in most cases, be more competitive, less distractive, and more productive than in a public school half serving as a public babysitter for kids with no interest in learning. The proof can be seen in selective public school programs, like magnate schools and traditional schools that have proven to be on par with private schools.

 

I agree. :thumb:

 

The problematic issue I see to be the biggest obstacle in public education is trying to make a "one-size-fits-all" education.

 

Private schools and selective public schools do a great job of creating opportunities for the individual student to achieve.

 

This isn't the educator's fault, though. I blame politics and legislation.

Sports and schools in Kentucky go hand in hand. As was mentioned on a previous thread, community support makes the difference. The reason why many educators may think that private school education is best is because of the individualized attention in some cases that students get and the higher expectations of educators, students, and PARENTS!

 

In the public schools, where schools must deal with National mandates, state mandates, and some times little support from the community, the job becomes very difficult to educate children. Educators seem to "feed the beast" of bureaucracy rather than concentrate on the people that need them, kids. Many public schools are also not helped by parents who do not take an interest in their child's education. On parent teacher nights, the only parents I ever see are the ones that are doing well in my classes. I rarely every see the parents of students that are doing okay or struggling. I know that teachers are sometimes to blame for this because they make some parents feel like they don't want to be bothered. It is every EDUCATOR'S responsibility to help students learn. There will always be students that just have a sincere dislike for school. As public schools, we have to find a way to help them toward a direction that will be productive. Is public education going to suceed everytime: NO. But as public school educators, we must try!!! Thomas Jefferson believed that the only way a democracy would work is through a well-informed and EDUCATED citizenry. That is why public education exists. Unfortunately, we don't always succed at that either.

About every post in this thread is right on.

Why can't all public schools be a "selective public school", like Manual and Male? Just maybe, those kids who are in that catagory, who some think need babysitting would excel if they felt their time in a "public school" meant something, like the kids who go to Manual or Male.

The idea of Magnet or charter schools has been around for a while with mixed results. Most public schools provide enough variety to allow students to find their niche. Students are provided opportunities in a number of areas depending on the size of the school. Also, most schools are connected to vocational schools that give students more choices after their sophomore year. I go back to an idea I made earlier....

 

For our society to work, we must have a well-informed and EDUCATED citizenry.

 

Public schools must make the effort to help students succeed and they need the support of their communities to do that. Education is meant to be provided to everyone. Hopefully this is done be caring, hardworking, and well educated teachers. And done in communities that fully support the schools and the staff and administration that work there. It is unfortunate that the schools we hear most about are the ones that are failing, not succeeding.

Why can't all public schools be a "selective public school", like Manual and Male? Just maybe, those kids who are in that catagory, who some think need babysitting would excel if they felt their time in a "public school" meant something, like the kids who go to Manual or Male.

 

I will attempt to answer your question by saying that in many other public schools, too many kids aren't there to learn, their parents either don't care or are ignorant about what it takes for their child to succeed, and the school system's hands have been tied by the courts when it comes to disciplinary policies. Given those three factors, what should the schools do differently?

I will attempt to answer your question by saying that in many other public schools, too many kids aren't there to learn, their parents either don't care or are ignorant about what it takes for their child to succeed, and the school system's hands have been tied by the courts when it comes to disciplinary policies. Given those three factors, what should the schools do differently?

 

H you have expressed some of the problems that public schools face and unfortunately there are no clear cut answers to your question. Schools are trying a number of different things to get parents and students invested in their schools. This shotgun effect obviously has mixed results.

I will attempt to answer your question by saying that in many other public schools, too many kids aren't there to learn, their parents either don't care or are ignorant about what it takes for their child to succeed, and the school system's hands have been tied by the courts when it comes to disciplinary policies. Given those three factors, what should the schools do differently?

It is primarily a societal problem that has manifested itself in the schools (and elsewhere).

I will attempt to answer your question by saying that in many other public schools, too many kids aren't there to learn, their parents either don't care or are ignorant about what it takes for their child to succeed, and the school system's hands have been tied by the courts when it comes to disciplinary policies. Given those three factors, what should the schools do differently?

 

 

H, I think the schools need to consider opening alternative schools where "problem" students are enrolled. Frankly these kids need to be segregated from those students who want to learn. Perhaps several school districts could join together to form an alternate school to handle the problem kids so each district wouldn't have the expense of operating their own alternative school.

 

tcjkbt, as for the societal problem manifesting itself in the schools comment, I agree. And in my opinion, the major cause of the societal problem is the welfare program this country has put in place. It was done with the best intentions and with the right motivations. Unfortunately it created a mentality that people no longer have to work to live, to survive. Rather, you can neglect your education and not worry about getting a job or for that matter even being able to survive, as we put this "wonderful" safety net in place that will provide for them.

 

I know its harsh, but I'd eliminate all welfare programs and if you don't take your education seriously enough to be able to land a job, you starve to death. For those people that truly are down on their luck in spite of hard work, rather than counting on the govt, you depend on your family to help you out until you get back on your feet. Such dependence on family members, will, in my opinion, stop the rapid deterioration of the family in today's society.

DRUGS A terrible price is being paid for the illegal drug trade. You can tell in a short time which kids parents are using. We clean that problem up and 75% of crime,(murder,robbery,stealing,done for money to buy drugs). Kids heads will clear. Society would improve as a whole. Just stop the drugs. There's to much money being made to stop it??? WHY If greed is the root of evil sex is the flower. If this is off the thread I'm sorry but it has to do with childern's desire and ability to learn.

There's really no right answer here. My son just turned 14. He's 6'0" 180lbs. and has started on the 7th and 8th grade football teams since he was in 6th grade. He also plays baseball and basketball. To top it off he plays an instrument in the band, has a 4.0 GPA and just made a 22 on the ACT as a 7th grader. Where we live there is only a fledgling Christian School so he'll go to one of the public shools. In a bigger city would I send him to a private schoos--probably. However, where we live the city school is small enought that he'll get the same attention in school. As far as colleges, not as many recruiters may see him but if he hits 30 on the ACT it won't matter.

There's really no right answer here. My son just turned 14. He's 6'0" 180lbs. and has started on the 7th and 8th grade football teams since he was in 6th grade. He also plays baseball and basketball. To top it off he plays an instrument in the band, has a 4.0 GPA and just made a 22 on the ACT as a 7th grader. Where we live there is only a fledgling Christian School so he'll go to one of the public shools. In a bigger city would I send him to a private schoos--probably. However, where we live the city school is small enought that he'll get the same attention in school. As far as colleges, not as many recruiters may see him but if he hits 30 on the ACT it won't matter.

 

Sounds like your son has a promising future. Sounds like he has the support he needs at home, personally, I think that is more important then what school he attends, and that will carry him further. Good Job.