I really don’t like to complain about public education. Just as I do not want anyone begrudging me my right to homeschool my child, I don’t want to begrudge anyone’s right to use the school systems. At the same time, I have realized that by pointing out the problems in schools; it may help parents of schooled children to better advocate for their child.
So, what does it say when studies show children are taking harder classes and getting better grades, but are failing national exams? It says that something is fishy. The powers that be are reporting that the NCLB (No Child Left Behind) legislation is working. On the state levels, it is apparent that children are taking harder classes, and doing well in those classes. In fact, I was starting to worry that public schooled kids were accomplishing quite a bit, and wondered if my children would fall short. Something in the back of my mind, however, told me not to fret.
While more and more children qualify as gifted, and take honors and advanced placement courses, somehow test scores are not showing the same progress. Parents, you have been bamboozled. The schools are saying what you want to hear. If they lower the standard of the advanced classes, it is easier to promote your kids, and make them successful. Kids feel good. Parents feel good. Colleges however, are stuck with a huge headache.
Perhaps homeschooling through high school is a good idea after all. Since my child can take classes at local colleges for high school credit, we will not have to worry about there being a glaringly huge gap between high school and college for the sake of meeting numbers and keeping parents quiet.
*Have a question about homeschooling? Just ask.
*Want to know more about homeschooling? Start here!
Read: Public Education Against America: The Hidden Agenda or School: The Story of American Public Education