So, I decided to write about how I feel about education for children (k-12). These are simply only my opinions about what I know about the schools I went to growing up. This is just a way for me to express my thoughts and not cause any conflict.
Well, first off...I have a nephew who is in 8th grade right now. He is basically my brother and I know most things that go on with him in school. Recently the school district changed a lot of things about requirements for graduating. Much different and maybe even more strict than they were when I graduated. One thing they have changed is their grading system. I'm not entirely familar with it, but from what I have heard is that they no longer go by letter grades (so A, A-, B+...etc), they only use a 4.0 scale. which in theory, letter grades follow. My main concern was when my nephew came home, and said the teachers and school said that they should aim for 3.0 on things, and that getting a 4.0 on something is basically extra credit. I guess I feel like it would be such a confusing thing to learn. that once they come accustomed to one way, later when they get into college, the 4.0 scale that they thought they knew won't be the same. I guess I just thought it was a strange thing to say. To me, it's basically saying, do the bare minimum to get a decent grade.
Another thing I don't like how the system has changed, is now in 8th grade, they want kids to know what they want to go to college for. I'm thinking that's insane! The reasoning makes sense...they want kids to take the right classes to set them up for college. But in reality, kids are going to change what they want to do several times. They don't even know what kind of opportunities there are in the working world. In 8th grade they do take a trip to the local community college, but even so, there is still only a limited exposure. I just don't think it's a good idea, to make children decide what they want to go to college for when they are only 12-14 years old. I know when I was that age, I wanted to be an architect. Then at some point in highschool I thought a dr, now im studying clinical exercise science in hopes to be a physical therapist. Some many things can change.
The last thing I have an issue with is how my nephews teachers don't give him homework. They do all of their assignments at school, and never have to do anything at home. I feel like it's not a good set up for college, since they seem to be jumping the gun on everything else. They should be sending home at least small assignments on reading or worksheets. Because in college, I have found, there is ALWAYS something to be done. People do have hw, a lot of reading, and most of all just general studying/reviewing. I think now at this young age, they should be encouraging and teaching kids different ways to study so they don't struggle with it later. They can find what works better for them, so they can succeed in life.
Well, there is my little rant on that. Again, this was only for me to express what I thought about this. I don't want to start conflicts with anyone who disagrees on the matter.
-QBD
I hear that.
ReplyDelete