I had a certain amount of trouble swallowing this when I first began my homeschooling journey. It wasn't that I didn't believe... just that I didn't want to. I didn't want to fall prey to a conspiracy theory. So I called a friend of mine who is a teacher in Vermont. I asked her some pretty specific questions about education, about what she learned in college, about what goes on in schools. I was striving for balance: another viewpoint from the other side. Fortunately or Unfortunately (you pick), she completely agreed with everything horrible I had read. She told me she learned to manage groups in her teacher training, with very little instruction on what or how to teach. She learned about pedagogical theories (constantly changing). Mostly, though, she told me that only the lucky few kids ever break out of the mediocre standards set currently. She said kids are trained to be good little office workers. Dh commented that there would be no more Einsteins. I disagreed, and said sure there would- but they would all be homeschooled kids Personally, with all the taxes I pay for our ps even though my kids don't go there, all the taxes my childless or elderly neighbors pay, there is ZERO reason the schools can't provide a few extra pencils for kids who's parents can't buy them. I know far too many schools talking about building a new building, new gym, new whatever even when the schools are FAR from falling apart for me to believe even SLIGHTLY that they can't provide some darn pencils! I'm not sure I believe all the Socialist talk, and I definitely don't believe kids should be blamed for the crimes (and apathy) of their parents. But on the same hand, I also think the schools/gov't have the responsibility to provide those resources to the unlucky few out of the wasted dollars they ALREADY have. Our ps gets 'title one' money. Supposedly, it is used to help poor children. What is it actually used for? Remediated reading programs for kids who can't read because of faulty instruction AT THE SCHOOL. How about the schools use the money they have for what they need, instead of creating needs that wouldn't exist if they were doing their job? Ok.. off my soapbox
It should be noted that, for the purpose of this conversation, she was saying "socialism" yet describing communism (which is true "uber socialism"). And for that, any text book, regardless of publisher, published-on date, or particular slant. Or the news. I made a serious error here: I forget that many people use the words interchangeably and I'm guilty, as well. I do know there's a difference, but I fell into the word trap. She said she wanted everyone to be given the same monthly check (total redistribution). In her eyes, Sweden would not be good enough because some people still make more than others. What she described was total government control and total equality (I think I made that part clear in my pp). Hence the "if everyone is equally miserable" bit. Equality, to her, is all that matters.
I had a well worded response all typed out, but in the interest of not taking over the thread I'll just say that as a Christian I feel that both socialism and communism go against the Bible. It is clear in the Bible that hard work is to be rewarded, and laziness is not, communism encourages laziness because "why should I work when the government will pay me anyhow?"
Jeannie had to have 5 binders and 5 spirals for each subject, certain markers, a certain calculator, and her uniform had to come from Land's End. The only shared item was three boxes of kleenex.
My daughter goes to a charter school 2 days a week, and at the begining of the school year we received a wish list from the teacher. It was a list of things that the classroom needed, and it did consist of similar items listed above, plus snacks, it is a kindergarten class But the way that it was given to us was, these are the things that will be needed throughout the year, and anything you can give is greatly appreciated. When it is presented in this manner I was more then willing to give as much as we could. But if I received a list from school with specific brands and a "you must buy" mantality I would be very upset by that. I know that in my state, the budget cuts to education has made it very difficult for teachers to provide supplies in the classroom, and many times have to buy them with their personal money. I think that the schools and teachers could be a little more greatfull for what can be provided, and not be brand specific.
Makes you wonder what's happening to our tax money, doesn't it? I vote we delegate a team of stay-at-home moms and give them full authority to balance the state and national budgets.
GREAT IDEA!!! LOL!!! Either you pay cash up-front, or do without!!! You want $5,000,000 for a business trip? And where does that fit in our budget? You show me the cash in hand, and you can do it!
I will say that since posting this original rant of mine, you guys have opened my eyes in that I didn't stop to think that the teachers don't have a budget with which to work with and while I still think that supplying dry erase markers (as an example) is a bit much I have chosen to donate items to my sons class for use... things like kleenex, extra pencils, erasers, pencil crayons and things of the like for students to use if needed but things for the teacher as well (the sticky notes, pens and other things they might need).
Good God! What did they have to buy? My sons needed fancy-schmancy scientific calculators this year that cost $100 each - and I still didn't spend more than $125/kid. I honestly can't even fathom what those kids needed to take to school that would cost $600.
lol Amy I just dropped off a bunch of school supplies at my youngest son's school. I'm absolutely amazed at how many students don't have the stuff they need for the school year (it's even more common that what I originally thought). The vice principal said at least 5 students in every class went with no school supplies at all or inadequate amounts so I am more than happy to help out... in the end, it's the "unprepared for class" child who loses out and usually of no fault of their own
