You're on the rght track for the most part.
Now for full disclosure. Let it be known that I am a public school teacher wth 21 years experience in the public sector. (Pause for laughter from the "geek" community"). Plus, years in "private" education, as well as higher education. As well well as substantial experience in the private sector outside of the education field. (There was no Microsoft or Apple when I first began using computers. Yes, I'm that old!)
The public school system is a reactionary institution. It simply "must" reflect the demands of the current society, for good or ill. There is no other choice. While the US educational system has tried, from its beginnings, to "solve" societal problem through education, it has always been (and must be by definition) be "behind the curve". Society simply changes faster than any bureaucracy can keep up. And, education (the system), is still trying to relfect the the ideals of the 60's and 70's! Why? The leaders of the current eduactiional establishment "cut their teeth" on the ideals of the times they experienced in their formative years. Just as military generals are always (often) "fighting the last war", educatonal burearocrats are likewise "fighting" the last percieved battle in education.
Does this mean US public education (K-12) is doomed to faiure? Maybe, but it's up to the "people" to decide.
As society changes, so must education. Are the "ideals" of the 60s and 70s relavent to the 21 century? I have my opinion. The "people"must decide.
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You're on the rght track for the most part. Now for full disclosure. Let it be known that I am a public school teacher wth 21 years experience in the public sector. (Pause for laughter from the "geek" community"). Plus, years in "private" education, as well as higher education. As well well as substantial experience in the private sector outside of the education field. (There was no Microsoft or Apple when I first began using computers. Yes, I'm that old!) The public school system is a reactionary institution. It simply "must" reflect the demands of the current society, for good or ill. There is no other choice. While the US educational system has tried, from its beginnings, to "solve" societal problem through education, it has always been (and must be by definition) be "behind the curve". Society simply changes faster than any bureaucracy can keep up. And, education (the system), is still trying to relfect the the ideals of the 60's and 70's! Why? The leaders of the current eduactiional establishment "cut their teeth" on the ideals of the times they experienced in their formative years. Just as military generals are always (often) "fighting the last war", educatonal burearocrats are likewise "fighting" the last percieved battle in education. Does this mean US public education (K-12) is doomed to faiure? Maybe, but it's up to the "people" to decide. As society changes, so must education. Are the "ideals" of the 60s and 70s relavent to the 21 century? I have my opinion. The "people"must decide.