We are a multiracial family, living in a highly educated, wealthy county in the East Coast. Our public schools are well regarded. And at the same time, I understand the feeling that it’s hard to put in words what one as a parent is searching for, but we know we are not getting it. My child’s classroom is highly diverse. They are exposed to a variety of cultural traditions, many from my own culture. The school they go to is a warm, friendly community. My child is learning to speak a second language. By many measures, this is a good school experience. And yet, some of us are not convinced that there is enough of a focus on the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic. Each child gets their own ipad device provided by the public schools system on which they play reading and math games daily. Anyone who is at or above the reading / math level for their grade gets even more device time. The time they spend on these apps could be better used to learn how to read, for example, but that doesnt seem to be happening. Our child has pretty much remained steady in his ability to sound out letters - that same ability that he gained before public school - and I have made peace with the fact that I will need to teach him how to read.
As a parent, I want my children to be challenged in schools. I want them to learn (without ipads), be well read, learn to think critically. I want this for them because if theyre going to spend 12 years in a classroom we might as well make it worthwhile, and not because the end goal is getting into an Ivy League school. I do want them to be well-prepared for whatever college they choose. I want to believe this can take place within the public school system, but Im increasingly doubtful.
What it comes down to simple: so called “classical” programs focus on basics of reading, writing (including grammar and spelling), math skills (kids actually memorize multiplication tables!), history (US was founded in the Judeo- Christian ethic so let’s get that down before meandering into other systems), and basic sciences. It’s what most US schools were like in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Too many schools are hypnotized by technology and infiltrated with faddish ideologies.
We are a multiracial family, living in a highly educated, wealthy county in the East Coast. Our public schools are well regarded. And at the same time, I understand the feeling that it’s hard to put in words what one as a parent is searching for, but we know we are not getting it. My child’s classroom is highly diverse. They are exposed to a variety of cultural traditions, many from my own culture. The school they go to is a warm, friendly community. My child is learning to speak a second language. By many measures, this is a good school experience. And yet, some of us are not convinced that there is enough of a focus on the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic. Each child gets their own ipad device provided by the public schools system on which they play reading and math games daily. Anyone who is at or above the reading / math level for their grade gets even more device time. The time they spend on these apps could be better used to learn how to read, for example, but that doesnt seem to be happening. Our child has pretty much remained steady in his ability to sound out letters - that same ability that he gained before public school - and I have made peace with the fact that I will need to teach him how to read.
As a parent, I want my children to be challenged in schools. I want them to learn (without ipads), be well read, learn to think critically. I want this for them because if theyre going to spend 12 years in a classroom we might as well make it worthwhile, and not because the end goal is getting into an Ivy League school. I do want them to be well-prepared for whatever college they choose. I want to believe this can take place within the public school system, but Im increasingly doubtful.
What it comes down to simple: so called “classical” programs focus on basics of reading, writing (including grammar and spelling), math skills (kids actually memorize multiplication tables!), history (US was founded in the Judeo- Christian ethic so let’s get that down before meandering into other systems), and basic sciences. It’s what most US schools were like in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Too many schools are hypnotized by technology and infiltrated with faddish ideologies.
I don't know if you realize this, but you come across as being extremely negative and hostile towards conservative Christians.
I would be curious to access a list of whatever the reading curriculum is by grade that is recommended by proponents of ‘classical’ education