Originally Posted by Jsmth321 (Post 11321773)

Multiple choice makes the best sense to me, there is no room for opinion to get in the way, and gives all students the best chance.

All essays prove is someone is a better writer but doesn't necessarily mean they know the material.

Originally Posted by Jsmth321 (Post 11322118)

Academics for those who are not academically inclined is a waste of time and money, and it would be better used teaching a skill that can be used in the work force.

When I tried college and yes I failed because the courses were above a level I am capable of, and when it came to tests writing essays, its simply not something I can do, nothing will change this, and its why I did not pass college and dropped out, had I been given the ability to learn a skill in high school, I would have been 100% better off.

Academics are not for everyone, nor is writing, yes we obviously need to know the very basics in math, reading etc, but what is the point to teach someone advanced math or physics when they cannot do it, and struggle which only causes stress and frustrations for the student?

I cannot stress how stressful high school was for me because I am not an academic learner, I spent more time studying and reading then most would, and still only managed to get by with a 2.0 GPA. No amount of time spent will allow me to learn something I have no ability to learn.

We are all different and educational system needs to be geared towards what will prepare people for the best future, not who can memorize or write about some poem written 400 years ago that serves no purpose.

Originally Posted by shughes007 (Post 11322499)

I totally disagree with you.

First of all with multi choice the answer is given so it does not mean you know the material, it shows that yu can find the answer or have a lucky guess.

Essay and short essays can explains how a person went about problem solving. It can show how you express your thinking process and creativity. How can that be displacyed in a multi choice format, or true/false format..

Originally Posted by shughes007 (Post 11322903)

"We are all different and educational system needs to be geared towards what will prepare people for the best future, not who can memorize or write about some poem written 400 years ago that serves no purpose."

How can you be sure at 16 what is best for your future? I agree you may know if you want hands on vocational work or more academic college bound work. Most kids would be better working at 16 in some work release program and apprenticeship program. But even kids going for vocational careers need a good memory and critical thinking. 400 year poetry can be a vehicle for both of those things.

Originally Posted by Pulaski (Post 11322612)

Saying that you can't write is inconsistent with your posts. I can't help but wonder if you just ran out of motivation and/or lacked support from friends and family? :unsure:

Originally Posted by Jsmth321 (Post 11323308)

How can someone at 16 be sure they want to go to college? Same thing really, by 16 most should know what they are good at and what they are not good at, not saying they need to pick a career, but if someone is just not interested or does poorly in an academic setting, they are really let down by the public education system, and when they graduate at 17 or 18 from 12th grade they really have no useful skill for the work force, and chances of gaining good employment with just HS education is pretty small these days.


I had no support from my family, my parents were not all that supportive of education, and largely did not follow the advice of professionals when I was in elementary school and struggling.

Originally Posted by shughes007 (Post 11323675)

.... It may be the same in UK now but US teachers spend so much time on the kids who are causing problems than the kids who are doing what they are supposed to do.

Originally Posted by Jsmth321 (Post 11323308)

How can someone at 16 be sure they want to go to college? Same thing really, by 16 most should know what they are good at and what they are not good at, not saying they need to pick a career, but if someone is just not interested or does poorly in an academic setting, they are really let down by the public education system, and when they graduate at 17 or 18 from 12th grade they really have no useful skill for the work force, and chances of gaining good employment with just HS education is pretty small these days.

Originally Posted by shughes007 (Post 11323675)

I was like you and had no parent support for academics, although if I had been a discipline problem they would have been involved. I just muddled through by myself. I did do my homework so there was no need for the school to contact my parent.


In USA parents are more concerened about schoool sports than academic. Or if they are involved they are involved about the wrong things looking for excuses as to why their kids got an 87 instead of a 92, and using 'labels' to have the teachers do more like "be sure my 8th grader brings his homework home"!

It may be the same in UK now but US teachers spend so much time on the kids who are causing problems than the kids who are doing what they are supposed to do.

Originally Posted by Anian (Post 11321427)

My daughter has just been accepted to start in it next year (2nd grade), so she'll be in a different class with all the other hi-cap students. Big relief, since she gets so bored in regular class, several people in her class this year didn't even know all the letters of the alphabet.

Originally Posted by AmerLisa (Post 11323953)

That's too broad of a generalized statement. I've read most of what you've written with an open mind, however I feel you really need to rein in some of your generalized statements. I'd say that academics are more of a concern than sports. My involvement, in general, is to make sure my daughter is in the right classes for her. I think most parents find sports are better outside schools. At least in my little area they are.

I'll agree with one thought that teachers in general have to spend a lot of time on behavior issues in their classrooms, I see that on a daily basis. But a good teacher knows how to carry on with teaching.

Originally Posted by shughes007 (Post 11324373)

Of course my comments are broad, this is a forum and everything is a generalization however if you wan to fill the monthly school board meeting, fire a coach, or have a discussion about pay to play, or even a suggestion of cutting sports and it will be standing room only. Compare with a school board discussing new text books, or cutting the Home Ec. department and you are lucky to have more than a dozen people. Compare the number of parents who go to Friday night football game ( about 2000 here in Pennsylvania) with the number who go to back to school night. I spent 30 years in American school system, I don't think I am too far off the mark on this one.