Is the "No Child Left Behind" Policy hurting our best and brightest?

http://www.kywnewsradio.com ^

[SouthernBoyupNorth]

There's a growing movement in the US that says the educational concept of "No Child Left Behind" is putting an emphasis on basic skills even as it leaves super-achieving kids behind. Bob Davidson is a dot-com millionaire who has co-written a book with his wife Jan titled, "Genius Denied."

[Chickensoup]

Now that's a real "educated" statement if I ever heard one. "Tim" is a genuine hero and if we all had his attitude about life, we would all be the better. I respect those moms who put so much time into raising those with Downs' syndrome and the like.


This is the reality of things, being around Downs syndrome children in a classroom is a nice to have, like a museum, not a nesessity, like multiplication. Downs Syndrome children and their parents may be heroic but that doesnt mean that they belong in a classroom. Moral education can occur in many venues and the classroom is not necessarily the best one.

[moog]

love ability and merit and cultivate it as coaches cultivate athletic prowess

That should actually transcend into society. How many people can name any inventors besides maybe Dean Kamen nowadays? People can remember what others did wrong, but do they remember what they did right?

[Chickensoup]

That's a rather negative attitude to take



Negative?

The discussion is about whether gifted children should be getting more from their classrooms.

[moog]

This is the reality of things, being around Downs syndrome children in a classroom is a nice to have, like a museum, not a nesessity, like multiplication. Downs Syndrome children and their parents may be heroic but that doesnt mean that they belong in a classroom. Moral education can occur in many venues and the classroom is not necessarily the best one.

You're right in the sense that some can disrupt a classroom, taking precious time away from others. Having Tim come has been nothing but a benefit though (and supported by parents too). Good last sentence I have to say.

[moog]

him to another--That shows your character and honorable it is. This is required in school also. Parents have to instill that in their kids (if they are not born with that instinct or the ability to apply it). I would offer that the desire to learn is to be nurtured by parents, without parents doing so, the teachers don't stand a chance in their goals.

What noble statements! It must be reflective of your honorable character as well:).

[Chickensoup]

You're right in the sense that some can disrupt a classroom, taking precious time away from others. Having Tim come has been nothing but a benefit though (and supported by parents too). Good last sentence I have to say.

Thank you. My premise has been that children esp the g and t often educationally take it on the chin due to current trends in pedagogy.

[moog]

Negative?

Actually, only sort of like being in a museum:).

[Gabz]

The discussion is about whether gifted children should be getting more from their classrooms.

I know that, I've been in the discussion from the beginning. The poster was talking about an aide in his classroom, not a student.

[moog]

"take it on the chin due to current trends in pedagogy."

When I pet mine, he licks me on the chin. Ok bad pun. I do like good discussion any day.

[Chickensoup]

LOL

[dfwgator]

Parents and students need to get this through their heads once and for all, Schools and teachers are NOT responsible for your education....YOU ARE!!!!

[sweetliberty]

"when did over achieving become a "bad thing"? "

Achievers tend to vote conservative and the schools are run by liberals who are indoctrinating the next generation to be state dependent, compliant liberal voters.

Overly simplistic explanation perhaps, but I think that's the essence of it....well, that and the fact that there are an awful lot of bad teachers affirmative action tokens teaching kids in the public schools. But WHAT are they teaching them?

[moog]

It's why it's hard for me to get into a lot of serious discussions. Too many times I think up some dumb pun.

[moog]

affirmative action tokens teaching kids in the public schools

Are those good at many video game places or carwashes?

[sweetliberty]

"Are those good at many video game places or carwashes?"

In my experience, an awful lot of them aren't good for much....except warming a chair and drawing a paycheck.

[moog]

Parents and students need to get this through their heads once and for all, Schools and teachers are NOT responsible for your education....YOU ARE!!!! Very good point. And that's the approach my parents took which I'm grateful they did. It's easy to pass the buck and blame everything on one thing, but WE are responsible for our own choices, as I've said before.

And for anyone wondering. I'm dumb because of MY own efforts. It didn't take anyone else for me to get to that point. I did it all myself.

[sweetliberty]

"It's a government monopoly that puts out a Yugo quality product for a Mercedes pricetag. If you really want your kids to become educated you teach them yourself or send them to quality private schools."

Very well stated.

[moog]

In my experience, an awful lot of them aren't good for much....except warming a chair and drawing a paycheck.

Oh crap, that's why my chair is so warm all the time. Hey, I am getting pretty good at drawing a paycheck too--I've been taking art lessons and can just about draw a square.

[pageonetoo]

I think that teaching to the lowest common denominator is a problem.... it does hold back those who could do more and gives them no incentive to over achieve.... when did over achieving become a "bad thing"?

1964

[del4hope]

No child left behind = No child steps forward
per my husband.

And....as a teacher once asked me....why do we have an educational program that ends in a preposition?

Behind what?????