I’ve found two articles this morning that I think are well worth sharing.
1. So Smart It Hurts – An article about gifted education in Minnesota, but more than applicable to most areas in the U.S.
2. Brilliant speech about the state of American schooling by a valedictorian.
Happy Reading!
I’m always amazed how many people end up homeschooling after trying out public and private institutions. It just goes to show it’s best to say never.
Great speech by the valedictorian! Couldn’t agree more. I used to be idealistic in thinking I can be part of the change in the education system but having enough experience led me to believe our only hope may be homeschooling!
Going back to the first article, I remember reading articles during one of my education courses showing that tracking was not beneficial to slower learners. Having a heterogeneous class tend to lift those kids up. But we never discussed how the gifted children did.
Thanks for sharing the articles.
Min,
One of the things that really concerns me is the “one size fits all” sort of education that most schools in the U.S. have. So many people have really special talents in all kinds of areas, how can we as a country nurture those talents when we’re working under the terms of something like No Child Left Behind? We’re not working within a system that is looking for talents to develop; we’re working within a system designed to bring people to a minimum expectation.
I’m definitely one of the “never say never” people who is eating my words. A big piece of the issue for me was that I never saw the positives until I was working within the homeschool system myself. I know that it’s not the answer for everyone though.
I am concerned about the long term impact of this growing trend. If people continue to pull out gifted children, the resources that are given to them will likely shrink even more. That being said, I’m not willing to put my kid in the system for the possible benefit of others down the line. It’s something of a catch-22.
I’m glad you shared these links. I’ve been seeing a lot in the media lately about how to fix our education system – Newsweek just had a big article on creativity, and I think it was Time that had a cover article on better/more engaging ways to fill the summer that would help remove the achievement gap.
I absolutely agree with your last comment, though – I have had people say to me that by keeping my son home, I am not giving the school system a reason to improve gifted education. But I can’t take this little person and submit him to the public schools the way they are right now. It’s hard.
The more I read the more anxious I get about the future. At least Minnesota has those gifted classes and acceleration, good for them.
sunnyvale422´s last [type] ..StArt – Angelina of Italy
I agree that Minnesota sounds like they have an excellent, progressive program. I really think that there are schools and teachers out there that likely do a great job, we just don’t hear much about them. I think that if you have a “good” kid, responsive teacher and a decent program, things will likely be fine.
As much as homeschooling works for us, I know that it is not THE answer. It’s not accessible to everyone, nor will it work for everyone even if they can pull it off.
I think I’d be much more willing to be the change and work within the system if I didn’t have a high-energy wiggle worm as the student.