Replies to '11/24 Great School Debate'

There are many "positives" about public schools that have been missed in these postings and therefore missed by those supporting home or un-schooling. As parents we are so used to seeing our children through loving eyes that we can miss concerns skilled educators can see primarily because they have seen so many other children. I taught for 30 years and also raised two children. It was easy for me to see children's learning problems that parents missed. I could spot those with language delays or those with handedness issues; those with attention deficits or those with discipline problems; those that could read like the wind yet couldn't comprehend; those who had perception problems or socializing issues. The lists go on and on. But in addition to recognizing problems, educators also know what to do about them or where to go for help.

Many voices on this website have mentioned chosing curriculum for their children, yet none have mentioned studying teaching methods, brain research, diagnosing learning disorders, studying cognitive development, issues of administering or interpreting tests, choosing tests that measure what we want to learn about a student. Granted, there are some lemons out there in the public teaching field, but there are also lemons in the home and un-scholling arenas. Parents need to visit public schools throughout their communities to see the positive changes that have been made in education since they were in school. Educators are much more aware of special needs and are mandated to adjust to them. Educators and parents are a team in support of children. May I also suggest that parents log on to their state's department of education website to see what is cooking in public education.

(And speaking of websites, I caution everyone who uses the Internet for research: just because it's there doesn't mean it's accurate or valid. Many of my students were surprised to find that out while doing research projects)

Our world is changing and violence appears in places no one ever thought possible: post offices, fast food establishments, churches, busses, airplanes and yes, schools. I was lucky to work in a district that practiced safety measures - earthquake safety, intruder safety and lock down procedures, parent notification in emergencies, child protective mandates. We were trained to handle these things, yet I wonder whether fast food employess or church personnel or other public entities have the same practices. I say this because there were posted concerns about safety in schools. Inquire about methods used in your community's schools so you can comment based on information rather than fear.

It is clear that each writer wants what is best for his/her child. Don't ignore public schools just because you had a bad experience in yours. We all have had bad school experiences, but have also had bad salespeople and friend and family experiences. We have also all had public school teachers who inspired and guided us. What's that expression: "One bad apple doesn't spoil the bunch?" (or something like that!)

Thanks for reading my thoughts!