Did you know?

[Smokin]

wishful thinking.

Just recently a study came out that looked at the reading level of the US population and it found that a staggering number of 70-80+ could not read passed an 8th grade level.

Another recent study basically looked at high tech jobs or "good jobs" and the education level required for these jobs and found that the US would only be able to fill a tiny fraction of the demand for these positions.

Texas has in recent years been re-editing text books to omit or change a perceived "liberal bias" in education. The most egregious is in science where they are trying to redefine what science is and what it does so they can introduce religion. Now even history isn't safe from these re-edits where words like "slave trade" are changed to omit the word "slave" or any mention of Caesar Chavez, or Che, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, or even Civil Rights leaders are omitted. Some of the Texas board of education believe history books are "anti-christian" and "pro-islamic" and want to change that. I think they were thinking of replacing any mention of history that involves islam with "Christians......., WE'RE NUMBER ONE!"

[RAF209_Benge]

Why would we care to mention Che Che Guevara...that terrorist put Mexico even further behind, as well as much of Carribbean nations he soiled.

Yeah, you're right, I think they should also strike Stalin, Hitler, Ivan the terrible, and Genghis Khan from the history books too. These assholes dont deserve to be in a history book.

[american]

wishful thinking.

Just recently a study came out that looked at the reading level of the US population and it found that a staggering number of 70-80+ could not read passed an 8th grade level.

Another recent study basically looked at high tech jobs or "good jobs" and the education level required for these jobs and found that the US would only be able to fill a tiny fraction of the demand for these positions.

I hope you don't think thats only in the US where most people cant read post the 8th grade level.

As for these upcoming high tech job when the demand for it does come up. (Which it still hasn't as many people has been avidly waiting) People will get ready for them.

El Che Guevara... Thats just another chapter.

[Colslaw]

"well-rounded" yes that does describe American youth quite well (Canadian ones too)

[RAF209_Benge]

I resemble that remark Col

As to the Grade level reading thingo...as a former Middle and High School History Teacher....

There are no Text Books written at an 8th Grade or above level, except for Advanced students, at which they are generally written at a 7th Grade level....Most text books are written at a 5th Grade reading level this has been common practice for nearly 30 years.

The average student will not see a 7th Grade or above grade level book until College....

The reasoning is most reading material is written at a 5th Grade level. Except of course maybe OK! or US magazine which is got to be at least 4 1/2 grade

So the information given about reading levels is pretty much suggestive.

Part of the real problem with Education in the U.S. is the lack of accountability. Whether it is teachers, students, or parents. I remember when I was in the Des Moines Public School System they had a program for the Middle School guaranteed not to fail a student...In other words no student could get an F on their report card. Students caught on to that idea real fast, the motto: why should I do my home work or study when they are gonna pass me anyways? When I left the school district they were already beginning to reap the seeds they had sown with 70% illiteracy rates, especially in the inter city urban schools.

At the same time when you are not allowed to get read of ineffective teachers as what happens wherever the various Teacher's Unions are strongest and juxtaposed to any accountability you have yet another element into why the U.S. is falling behind. The AFT's work in Detroit, Kansas City, Chicago, Washington D.C. and Los Angeles are a disgrace to the work of Education. Its all about what they can get out of the funding and screw the kids.

Also parents need to instill in kids that the freedom to have an education may be a right but the acceptance of a diploma and cord is a privilege. And if you don't work hard in school you don't deserve a diploma.

[Trouble4u]

Totally agree Mr Benge.

[Derring]

I would like to thank American and Benge for stepping up.

I tire of Smokin's constant PC BS.

[Trouble4u]

[Smokin]

I would like to thank American and Benge for stepping up.

I tire of Smokin's constant PC BS.

I tire of Derring's anti facts stance, it gets old just like the cranky man who spits it out. I'd like to thank Derring for either manning up and speaking for yourself next time if you think you have a point, or just stfu (hows that for PC?).

To Benge and American, the two who are capable of having a civil discussion, the point I make is that no matter what study you look at or how you look at the education system, there is alot of room for improvement and alot of room for discussion because there is just far too much glaring evidence to this point. What doesnt help is pretending its some "PC BS" to bring up facts, studies, and comparisons to discuss the topic.

[american]

To Benge and American, the two who are capable of having a civil discussion, the point I make is that no matter what study you look at or how you look at the education system, there is alot of room for improvement and alot of room for discussion because there is just far too much glaring evidence to this point. What doesnt help is pretending its some "PC BS" to bring up facts, studies, and comparisons to discuss the topic.

I beg to differ. I just feel that there is no real way to measure success. As success can be measured in so many different ways. Pin pointing to one subject opr statistic wont help either since different careers require different skills.

You dont need to know how to write to sew in a factory.
You dont need to know how to sew to write in a office.

If you focus to much on writing you might end up with shirts that have un-even stitching.
If you focus to much on arts and crafts you might end up with a company with communication issues.

In this case success is only seen on paper but not in practice. If you ever notice. There isnt one country that is that is on top of every one else.

For example china.
#2 in the economy yet despite having (second or first largest population) there education is horrible. You cant win it all.