To what degree to we want to standardize and dilute education?
From The Eagle
College Station high school students, like their counterparts across the state, may have to cut some electives out of their schedules because of new state regulations boosting the number of required math and science courses. more...
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Education Dilemma
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I understand that some educators are concerned that raising the requirements for students will have consequences (e.g., increased drop out rate). And I understand that by simply adding another year of coursework, students will not necessarily become more math or science proficient. Nonetheless, I was upset and discouraged by the responses of educational leaders in College Station as reported in the Eagle. Perhaps I am an elitist, but I think our youth need to know more math, science, and social studies and to be able to communicate orally and in writing effectively. If we don't hold ALL students to high standards, they will not achieve or be successful, independent adults.
I also understand that not all students go to college. That argument is not persuasive as an excuse not to offer more education opportunities in math and science. Virtually everyone gets some kind of post-secondary training which requires higher level skills. Besides, we all need a high degree of knowledge and skill to function in our uncertain world which features increasing demands in technical and intellectual capabilities.
I wonder how the administrators and school board members interviewed for the Eagle story would respond to the issues raised in the recent report "Rising Above the Gathering Storm" (http://darwin.nap.edu/books/0309100399/html). My opinion, but I want to see these people raising the bar and pushing for more achievement, not whining "it's too hard."
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