In theory, we are talking about teachers quitting in droves because of politics. Which seems to have wandered down into a political rabbit warren.
Obama would’ve made a very fine Republican in the 1950s. Except for that being black thing.Obama was a conservative Democract. Very much a middle-of-the-road guy.
Hmm. I tend to use the dollars & cents argument with conservatives when it undercuts their attacks on worthy programs, because their argument to privatize everything is usually based on purported savings.If we start saying we should provide education in order to turn people into better, more ethical, inquisitive, and generally informed/thoughtful citizens, they'll call us hypocrites. So we have to pretend everything we support is about money.
Hmm. I tend to use the dollars & cents argument with conservatives when it undercuts their attacks on worthy programs, because their argument to privatize everything is usually based on purported savings.
True, but I didn’t say I take that tact on everything. There are some arguments I simply won’t engage on — not going to consider whether any forms of slavery make economic sense, because they’re just evil.Unfortunately, that way leads to arguments for private prison to use as labor pools to generate income. Which has a different set of problems. There are reasons why the US tries to rein in capitalism.
I forgive you.I don't remember one, but I haven't watched every episode.
My university experience was the first time I found myself in a community that did not regard me as some kind of freak.Public education in the US was a bulwark against fascism, and it still is. The fascists wouldn't be working so hard to dismantle it if it was somehow working in their favor.
University education varies so widely from school to school I think it's hard to make blanket statements as to its purpose. For some kids, it's less job training than a soft path to adult responsibilities. For others it's absolutely a vocational program. It's also, for a lot of kids, the first time they're exposed to communities different than the ones they grew up in.
But which others? There is some leeway there. Not arguing against the idea that some values should be included in school. People need to learn how to be good citizens. This includes education in things like science, history, civics, and yes even the arts and and culture (which triggers debates over which works, and by whom, should be presented as worthy representatives). Some of my Conservative friends and family insist that schools is all about teaching basic skills, like reading, writing, and math. But even those don't exist in a vacuum, as kids learn better when these "basic skills" are applied to things that have relevance to them as individuals. You can't teach reading without giving kids something to read.You're sayin' it's bad to have one's thinking in an identifiable direction shaped by teachers? News to me. My thinking was shaped by my teachers in the direction of helping others. I call that a good thing.
But that would mean we could merge this with the Elon Musk thread.Ooooo... now you're tickling me in my horror fan center! Capital Letter Monsters! Narrow elitist warmongering cliques of billionaire control freaks!
But which others? There is some leeway there. Not arguing against the idea that some values should be included in school.
Zackly. There are some schools down here that shape minds in what I consider to be very unfortunate ways.But which others? There is some leeway there. Not arguing against the idea that some values should be included in school.
Or the factories. Kids need to learn the value of a buck and support their families, darn it.Zackly. There are some schools down here that shape minds in what I consider to be very unfortunate ways.
I think we should send kids back to the fields till we get that stuff sorted out...
CHIMNEY SWEEPS!!!!Or the factories. Kids need to learn the value of a buck and support their families, darn it.
It’s also often a good thing. Math, science and language proficiency are identifiable directions as are tools that teach students how to navigate through life as adults.Exactly my point. Schools attempt to shape thinking, critical or not, in identifiable directions. They do not always succeed, and this is often a good thing.
Tiger, he won't be able to reply to your questions.It’s also often a good thing. Math, science and language proficiency are identifiable directions as are tools that teach students how to navigate through life as adults.
I’d argue that a fundamental purpose of education is to provide such tools.
May I ask what kind of school you would prefer? How should a good school work?
Well, I’m an anchovy guy, so….Tiger, he won't be able to reply to your questions.
Myself, I prefer a school where there is always free pizza. Without pineapple.
Well, parents should all pull their kids out until someone, somewhere does something. They can take your word for it.As a former teacher, curriculum designer and teacher-trainer, I am saying that top-down imposition of educational structures is elitist. It is inherently undemocratic. Please read more carefully.
Well, I’m an anchovy guy, so….
There are times that curse the communal nature of pizza!Fishy pizza? I can support that. As long as you promise not to share.