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Messages By: jamloraus
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November 21, 2006, 7:44 am PST
 Quote From: kschmittz My husband and I are very "concerned" with our children's education, therefore, we moved to a higher end area with good public schools. My oldest son is 8 and in 3rd grade. He is almost a year younger than most of the other kids as their Moms kept them back a year. He is doing above average work and not having any issues. I think there is A LOT of mis-understanding about public schools. First, in my son's class there are LESS kids than the average area's private schools. Next, there are boudaries set by the district on w hat they can teach your child that do not exist in private school. In private school (I found this out after we checked out private schools and from a teacher) they can teach whatever they see fit. Also, it is up to the parent to be involved in their child's education. If you see your child is struggling in any way, then go to the teacher and work something out. Public school has a multitude of programs to assist you and with the "NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND" there's really no excuse (learning disability or whatever) to not have your child succeed. We have what is called a 504 plan for my son. Basically, it is a legal document that will follow him through High School. I can dicatate (if need be) every move/action the teacher makes in regards to my son. It is NOT that way now but the option exists. This is available to all parents at any public school. Last, I can claim all you do about my son's public school. That is why we are "dishing out the money" to live in a nice area. Therefore, the crime and bullying you speak of really isn't an issue where we live. If it does happen, then my son will take care of it with help from his Dad and I. I think a lot of people are very mis-guided about not only private school but homeschooling and unschooling as well. Part of education is not just academics. There is so much more. In today's world, there is very little chance for self-sufficiency without a decent education. Also, you need to have skills beyond that. If you can't deal with people or situations that may come up in life (like bullying) you are not likely to have a lot of job offers. In a public school setting, although not perfect, there is much more to learn on a social level. You learn to wait your turn, respect others and that there are consequences for your actions that can affect your whole class. Anyone who thinks the majority of private schools kids are perfect, think again. When I was young, these were among the most wild of us all. They just had the $$ to get out of most any trouble.
All in all, a good education can come from a good public school. I agree, not all are good. There are some even in my district I would not send my kids to. That is why my hubby and I are very careful if we decided to buy another house in this area. We want to make sure we stay within school lines that we like. Also, if a parent expects the school to teach everything to their child then they are in error. I am in my son's class every week helping out. No, I am not Room Mom every year but I am there. I have been on Field Trips and helped out with parties and such. I consider myself lucky to be able to do this even though I work full time. There is academic education which I believe needs to be done by people who are qualified- someone with teaching credentials. For what it's worth, I also believe anyone who homeschools/unschools should have these same credentials. Then there is the other edcuation which is about life. This is up to parents.
Last, don't assume every kid in public school has parents who don't care. Just as you assume this there are people who assume things about you and your choices. You are not the only parent who is involved in your child's life the way you are. I have many many friends who are teachers in public schools and I can tell you they are far more trained than anyone realizes. They are concerned and they do teach every child no matter how big their class is. Also, in public school in 1st and 2nd grade the class size has to be UNDER 20 kids...again lower than most private schools. My friends also say their biggest battle is not teaching the kids but dealing with parents. Food for thought. It is good for your family that you have the money to move to a more expensive area for your child's education. Most don't have that ablility. Also, a higher socio-econimic area does NOT guarantee a good school. I agree that a major problem in the public schools is when parents turn their children over and expect the school system to do it ALL. That is just a recipe for disaster. I disagree with you when it comes to "socialization". My son (homeschooled for the past year and a half...7th and now 8th grade) is very socialized. He just got his black belt in Karate - where he learns to fight if necessary, walk away if he can, respect, honor, self esteem, etc - he works a part time job two hours a day - where he learns to deal with bosses with different personalities, deadlines, expectations, responsiblity, etc - he spends time at his grandmother's retirement community where he helps her neighbors and socializes with them, he raises bearded dragons and rehabs box turtles. Then there is his church youth group and all the activities there. He acolytes at church, is an usher, etc. He is having a problem right now with some of his friends growing away from him, and is making new friends. We talk to him and guide him, but this is part and parcel of being a young teen - NOT something he is dealing with because he is homeschooled. Over all, he is happy, well adjusted and very social. He is extreemly curious, has some unscheduled learning time when we talk and research things that he is curious about, but he also is required to sit and have structured school. He's advanced in math and science. The problem with this whole debate is the anecdotal nature of it. For every failure in public school, I can show you one brilliant success. The same can be done for homeschooling. We can go tit-for-tat back and forth all day and never resolve the "debate". Neither side will ever run out of "examples" to back thier side, and the other side will always say, "That's just one example. What about........." And so it goes. All I can say is that I feel I am doing what is right for my own child. He is getting a good, well rounded education and is not lacking in social skills. As a matter of fact, he may have more social skills that a large number of his peers. -Lori |
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