If you could make major changes in how our public
schools educate our kids, what direction would you take? I'll go first:
1.
Aptitude tests every 3 years (3rd, 6th, & 9th grade) with counselors
helping the children recognize their strengths.
2. No
more state testing as is currently in place.
3. Reading, writing, and
arithmetic heavily stressed first, followed by science, history, &
geography.
4.
Wood/metal/drafting classes & Home economics for both sexes as mandatory.
5. Turn
one of our 3 high schools into a full fledged vocational/technical school with
first rate instructors. Students will graduate as 1st class apprentice/entry
level journeymen/women in whatever discipline they chose with OJT work programs
taking up the 2nd half of the school day.
6. Institute community service for infractions over fining
the parents (fist-fights, etc).
7. Extend recess in grade schools for over-active children
instead of punishments and color-coded behavior reports.
8. Schools could become
competitive based on what disciplines they offer.
Note: I realize these suggestions might not be doable, but I
would like folks to explain why they are not and what they would do to make our
schools better.
