This article is from last fall, which probably means things are even worse today. Read the whole thing to get one teacher’s view of how we’d be going to hell in a handbasket if there were anyone younger than 50 with the skills left to make one. Are any candidates talking about this, Presidential level or lower?
We are, as far as urban public education is concerned, essentially at rock bottom. We are now at a point where we are essentially churning out ignorant teens who are becoming ignorant adults and society as a whole will pay dearly, very soon, and if you think the hordes of easily terrified, mindless fundamentalist evangelical Christian lemmings have been bad for the soul of this country, just wait.
It’s gotten so bad that, as my friend nears retirement, he says he is very seriously considering moving out of the country so as to escape what he sees will be the surefire collapse of functioning American society in the next handful of years due to the absolutely irrefutable destruction, the shocking — and nearly hopeless — dumb-ification of the American brain. It is just that bad.
[…]
Recently, after giving an assignment that required drawing lines, he realized that not a single student actually knew how to use a ruler.
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[T]he dystopian evidence seems overwhelming indeed, to the point where it might be no stretch at all to say the biggest threat facing America is perhaps not global warming, not perpetual warmongering, not garbage food or low-level radiation or way too much Lindsay Lohan, but a populace far too ignorant to know how to properly manage any of it, much less change it all for the better.
Too far? Ask yourself how many of the average high school graduates this spring could read that excerpt and define every word. Could GWB?
Thanks to Brother Uncle Don
Wow. Another article that takes a swipe at Christians. I think it’s sad that bloggers have to take cheap shots at people who have faith in anything other than themselves, and this blog author seems to have a pattern of anti-Christian sentiments. I find it interesting that we used to be the best at a lot of things, until the concept of a higher power was removed from all government related institutions, most notably public schools. It’s all been getting worse since the 1960’s, when the hippies removed the concepts of personal responsibility, respect for life, and instituted their moral relativism. I’m not saying that the 2 issues are indirect relation, but they are certainly linked. Lazy parents, bad teachers, and a lack of discipline in the schools has created a lack of respect for learning. Political correctness is the only subject taught in schools with any passion.
I’m getting off track…what I would really like is to stop the Christian bashing in these blogs. The blog was supposed to be about education, but Uncle Dave just couldn’t help himself. This is a Judeo/Christian nation, founded by Judeo/Christians with Judeo/Christian principles. If you don’t like the concept of God, don’t believe in Him; but don’t try to take down American values based on God, especially when Christians make up the vast majority of the population. Move to Cuba.
#64. I don’t think Urban parents have a ability to home school. They may have the will, but not the time or financial ABILITY.
Glad I missed this orgy of hyperbole 🙂
#66,
And for the love of whatever you hold dear, quit blaming GWB, “the Liberals”, or any other one person, entity or group (with the exception of the National education system) for this problem.
Why is it OK to blame the “ National education system” but not any other group that might be influencing education policy? Including Bush.
Because no single entity, except for possibly the National education system, could be single handedly responsible for how bad things have gotten. Sorry, it’s been going on too long for Bush to be the sole culprit.
To be more clear, this paragraph was a way of trying to ward off those who’s answer to every problem is “it’s them damn Liberals”, or “it’s Bush’s fault”. No, it’s “all of the above’s” fault. And none of the above seem willing to do jack to fix it.
#66, Noisey
In a growing number of American locales, it’s no big deal, either to the kids, or their parents/guardians/whatever how crappy they do in school. If they don’t exceed academically then, oh well, it’s the Government’s job to pay their way. That’s what Government is s’posed to do.
I think that is bullshit. Would you care to post a link or even name these locales?
#71, Noisey,
But but, what is this National education system?
Around here we have an elected School Board. They make a lot of decisions. They follow the standards and curriculum set out by the State. To the best of my understanding then, since you want to blame a non-existent body, no one is responsible.