On Fri, 07 Apr 2006 21:59:27 GMT, Gene Kearns
wrote:

On Fri, 07 Apr 2006 17:27:33 -0400, JohnH penned the following well
considered thoughts to the readers of rec.boats:



Also, keep in mind that teachers are very time constrained. They must cover
a given amount of material to satisfy the teaching objectives given them.

Answer: Competency Based Education

Take as long as you want.... might have to add parking in elementary
schools for those 16 year olds still in 3rd grade, but we'll have to
make some sacrifices....

Sounds good, but impractical. It reminds me of Mia. Mia was in 8th grade
for three years. I had her the last of those three years. She did no work,
and failed. In fact, at the end of the year she was failing math, science,
and English. Her attitude in the classroom was definitely not conducive to
a learning environment. She didn't give a crap and made it obvious. We
wanted her out of the eighth grade, but the rules said she could only take
two courses in summer school.

We, the teachers, caved. We decided it was in the best interests of our
other students to get Mia the hell out of eighth grade. So, we agreed to
let her pass science, forcing her to take math and English in summer
school.

At some point, the education of the *other* kids has to take priority. I
like the German system. At the end of eighth grade, track them to a
vocational school if they can't or won't handle academics.


--
'Til next time,

John H

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