Education

Does the news on the state of education in the US ever get better?

Yesterday results from yet another study were published. US students, of 34 nations studied, finished in the middle of the pack. They did their worst in math and science, but were also pretty pathetic in writing/reading. As usual, history isn't important enough to be tested, but I'd assume American students would do poorly in that, too. Oh, everyone, even the Sec of Ed (yet another bomb of an appointee by Obama), chimed in on the deplorability, the dangers, etc. of the results. And, yes, we hear the same old cries for "reform!" "We need to change our ways about learning and teaching!" It seems to me we did "change our ways," about 35 years ago--and the results are still looking us in the face. "Change our ways" in education has become a profitable industry, but it has been counterproductive. Maybe it's time to finally listen to people who haven't captured anyone's ear yet, those whose ideas are "old-fashioned," "anachronistic," "out-of-date," etc.

And, closely related, was the news coming out of Detroit that a Wayne Co judge ruled that Bob Bobb doesn't have much authority to enact needed reforms in the Detroit schools. She ruled in favor of the school board, which has done such a bang-up job (yes, that's sarcastic, to the nth degree!). Apparently, according to this judge, Bob Bobb is not qualified to run the schools, to instituted reforms such as more reading and writing, summer school, extended days, etc. I guess, as she noted, that's because he has a real college degree, not one in "education," like the "experts." This judge needs to start paying attention. She needs to get a reality check. It's the "experts" with their fake "education degrees" who have caused most of the deplorable state of education, in Detroit and elsewhere. I certainly would hate having to argue a case before a simple-minded judge like that. When will people learn that those with "education degrees" know the least about quality education and the rigor it requires? I guess, with what is going on in the schools now, the answer is "Never."

On a personal note, I have been taken aback the past few classes. I have had several students come after class and say, in effect, "Thank you," in those words or close to them. To each I replied, "Thanks for what?" And they say, "For today's lecture (or class)." It felt good to hear those words, but even more, I am humbled. Yet, I also know that, in my previous tenure as a teacher, I was treated by those who should have known better (administrators, who else?) as a "piece of mung." And, with some current inside info, the education circus around here continues unabated.

Why so often (and see above) am I reminded of Mark Twain's words? "In the first place God created idiots. That was for practice. Then he created school boards."