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Alternative Education (Other)

Alternative to what?

The education system is flawed. We are all aware that this is true and no one denies it. What is in question is how it is flawed. First we don't pay quality educators what they are worth. Second their is no incentive for students to do well. Third we choose to bombard students with the same information year after year. Fourth the education system is not standardized so that what one student learns in Texas at a particular grade is not the same as what a student in Missouri learns in the same grade.

How can we expect to attract quality educators to our classrooms when we don't pay them what they are worth? The answer is that you cant. This first problem can only be resolved by the proper utilization of our resources. There are a multitude of ways that we can pay for the best educators not the least of which is to take the money away from legislators. Legislators receive regular cost of living increases and give themselves raises and huge pensions. There are many ways to raise the money this is just one of them.

How can we expect students, our young people to take education seriously when they do not see the fruits of their labor? Asking students to learn material and do work with out providing any incentive to do so doesn't work. Creating a system where the students own the educational institution would change that. Our young people are more mature than we give them credit for. Educational programs such as junior achievement foster an atmosphere where the students wish to participate because they see the fruits of their labor. Modeling our schools after such a program would increase productivity in students and create an atmosphere of understanding that would enhance what is being taught.

Bombarding students with the same facts and figures year after year creates an atmosphere of boredom. When the same information is presented over and over again students begin to feel like they are merely being baby sat. There is no point in teaching basic math 4 years in a row to the same student. There is no point in teaching English grammar 4 years in a row to the same student. These subjects don't change. And yet the same information is presented year after year to students. Is it any wonder the more intelligent students drop out?

I moved a lot when I was a child. I found in my youthful travels that schools don't always teach the same things. What is required in the 9th grade at one school is not taught until 10th grade at another. Some states


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Alternative to what?

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    by Stanley W. Shura

    Alternative education: Alternative to What? I am no expert on the scope and value of the options beyond... read more

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    by Matt Lipford

    The heading of this segment asks one of the most important educational questions facing the very future of our countr... read more

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    by MrsMac1970

    I began my teaching career several years ago at the Juvenile Detention School in Newport News, VA. Needless to say, ... read more

  • 4 of 19

    by DasGehoeft

    Stop being selfish! We have our children and then at age 5 to 18 we pawn them off to the Public School system and go... read more

  • by jf

    The only alternative form of education I know in the United States is the Montessori Method. I had gone to a Montesso... read more

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Alternative to what?

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