09-26-2008, 07:47 AM
Consider that cuts to public education as well as No Child Left Behind have put a severe chokehold on education at all levels.
My teacher friends tell me that there are no vocational ed classes in their high schools: no shop, nothing-- because there is no money and the emphasis has been so drastically placed on test scores and reading and math only.
Similary, elementary school teachers no longer teach science, history or art (etcetera) for the same reasons.
I don't need to tell you which administration and party has caused this situation.
I always thought a good liberal arts education was a great addition to practical skills and self-sufficiency. (And one doesn't have to kill wild animals in order to feed one's family.)
Esnap,
Is it not the parents' job to educate the child as s/he sees fit? This is not simply society's responsibility. I see no reason not to teach your child wildlore and gardening, take them to scouts and 4-H and send them to camp. I made sure my son could do all the things I held in high importance. I sent him to horse camp, had him build me things, had him help in the garden, helped him with his homework and let him know school was important, sent him to college and gave him fiscal, physical and mental support until he could stand on his own two feet in the world. And he can cook.
april
My teacher friends tell me that there are no vocational ed classes in their high schools: no shop, nothing-- because there is no money and the emphasis has been so drastically placed on test scores and reading and math only.
Similary, elementary school teachers no longer teach science, history or art (etcetera) for the same reasons.
I don't need to tell you which administration and party has caused this situation.
I always thought a good liberal arts education was a great addition to practical skills and self-sufficiency. (And one doesn't have to kill wild animals in order to feed one's family.)
Esnap,
Is it not the parents' job to educate the child as s/he sees fit? This is not simply society's responsibility. I see no reason not to teach your child wildlore and gardening, take them to scouts and 4-H and send them to camp. I made sure my son could do all the things I held in high importance. I sent him to horse camp, had him build me things, had him help in the garden, helped him with his homework and let him know school was important, sent him to college and gave him fiscal, physical and mental support until he could stand on his own two feet in the world. And he can cook.
april
april