Posted on 02/18/2005 9:28:03 PM PST by Coleus
Educational statistics and news stories throughout the nation point to the dismal state of affairs in our public schools. The academic performance of the vast majority of junior and senior high school students today does not equal that of students 100 years ago. A near omnipresent popular culture awash in increasingly graphic sexual content and violent material, results of the rising tide of pornography and obscenity that floods our society, has seeped into almost every corner of our society. Even our schools have been tainted, so much so that a broad array of secular and religious thinkers and leaders are calling upon parents to remove their children from public schools.
As our popular culture has become increasingly sexualized, so, too, have media representations of children and adolescents and the world in which they live. During the past few years a number of television programs have sprung up around what the media seems to define as teen life, with school serving as one of the main settings.
Not surprisingly, given the sexual saturation of today's media, the typical portrayal of teens in this television genre—which has, through the years, included such programs as Beverly Hills 90210, Boston Public, Dawson's Creek, The OC, life as we know it, and One Tree Hill—seems designed to titillate adults, via caricatures of teens in what Brent Bozell, of the Parents Television Council, so aptly described as "teen sex-addict stereotypes" in an October 28, 2004, column. But, it is not only adults watching plot lines that all too often involve teens indulging in a variety of sexual situations, including sex with other teens, sex with adults, even teachers, and occasionally group sex. Teens are among the most faithful fans of these programs.
With these programs and scenarios in mind, it is interesting to consider some of the news stories that seem to pop up in clusters. Last year, we were flooded with news reports of children performing various sex acts in classrooms, in school restrooms and on school buses. We've learned about the trend towards teen and preteen hook-ups for sex with no strings, peer pressure and friends-with-benefits associations. We've seen homemade porn-style videos, created by teens, of adolescents engaging in group sex and homosexual behavior for the enjoyment of applauding teenage onlookers. We've also witnessed a surge in another type of news story.
Mary Kay Letourneau is an early, lurid example of this type of story—teacher student sex. She had two children by the boy she molested. The story made international news in 1997, when stories of this nature were still rare. However, scanning today's news, there are numerous examples of this type of abuse. So many, in fact, that they barely make national, let alone international, news.
On February 3, 2005, Jeremy Pawloski, of the Albuquerque Journal, reported that "the former Mesa Vista High School teacher arrested last week for having sex with a student married the pregnant 16-year-old on New Year's Day." A February 13, 2005, Associated Press headline in the Kansas City Star announced "Teacher-student sex cases continue to appear in Kansas." Tennessee is struggling with its third recent high profile teacher-student sex case. Texas, Nevada, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Oregon are just a few of the many states to have news stories concerning teacher-student sex—and these are just the stories from the first part of February!
"It used to be unthinkable, but has become oddly routine," states a February 15, 2005, CBS report. Routine enough, it seems, for Congress to request a report from the U.S. Department of Education on educator sexual misconduct. Completed in 2004, the report revealed "that 9.6 percent of all students in grades 8 to 11 report contact and/or non-contact educator sexual misconduct that was unwanted." Unwanted, however, is a word to pay attention to, as often these teacher-student sexual unions are consensual, at least to the degree that a minor is able to consent.
Crime is a problem in public schools and much has been written about teacher's inability to maintain the level of discipline that was standard years ago. According to recent statistics prepared by the National Center For Education Statistics and released in the Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2004, in 2002 there were approximately 88,000 students between the ages of 12 and 18 that were victims of "serious violent crimes (including rape, sexual assault, robbery, and aggravated assault)" at school.
Furthermore, according to the report, "annually, over the 5-year period from 1998 to 2002, teachers were the victims of approximately 234,000 total nonfatal crimes at school, including 144,000 thefts and 90,000 violent crimes (rape, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault)."
Yet, information in the 2004 report requested by Congress, Educator Sexual Misconduct: A Synthesis of Existing Literature, as well as numerous news reports during the past few years, indicate that the numbers relating to school crimes may be too low, as school administrators strive to guard the reputations of their schools.
On page 11 of Educator Sexual Misconduct: A Synthesis of Existing Literature, mention is made of "the difficulty of obtaining information on educator sexual misconduct" that the Seattle Times experienced while preparing a December 2003 series on the topic.
"When the Seattle Times asked the Bellevue School District for information about teachers and coaches accused of sexual misconduct, school officials and the state's most powerful union teamed up behind the scenes to try to hide the files. Bellevue school officials even let teachers purge their own records at union-organized "file parties" to prevent disclosure," according to the 147-page report. Furthermore, the report indicates that the official numbers of sex-related crimes may be low due to students' being hesitant to report such incidents.
Far more pervasive than actual crime, however, is yet another aspect of our current cultural climate that has settled into our public school systems. Taking their cues from the seemingly never-ending sexual revolution, which is the foundation upon which our popular culture firmly rests, school administrators have instituted a variety of educational and social policies that reflect a serious disconnect with the values and beliefs of the majority of Americans.
Zogby's 2004 poll on the topic of sex education found that the majority of parents believe children should be taught abstinence and the biological facts. 79% of parents responded that they strongly agreed that "the best choice is for sexual intercourse to be linked to love, intimacy and commitment" and "that these qualities are most to occur in a faithful marriage."
Yet, public school districts, such as those in Holyoke, Massachusetts, persist in giving condoms to 6th graders. In California, according to a December 3, 2004, World Net Daily report, "schools cannot inform parents if their children leave campus to receive certain confidential medical services that include abortion, AIDS treatment and psychological analysis, according to an opinion issued by the office of state Attorney General Bill Lockyer." These are just a couple of the policies that have made their way into public school systems throughout the nation.
Not only has a cultural climate that undermines the values and beliefs of most parents developed in the public school system, but, in addition, public schools are failing to educate children in the necessary scholastic subjects. The National Center For Educational Statistics reports of 8th graders that less than one third are able to write at a level deemed proficient, that 29% are reading at a proficient level, with proficiency in math being achieved by 23%, and proficiency in American History being reached by only 15% of students.
While it has been primarily religious leaders who have garnered the majority of media attention for calling upon parents to remove their children from public schools, such as in the case of the recent "exodus mandate" contemplated by Southern Baptists, secular thinkers are also speaking out in favor of leaving public schools behind. Because our country was built upon Judeo-Christian values, many who are not religious still hold basic, traditional values. Even secular parents are offended by 8th graders being told that "stripping and exotic dancing could be lucrative career moves for girls, offering as much as $250,000 or more per year, depending on their bust size" and that "for every two inches up there, you should get another $50,000 on your salary," as occurred in a Palo Alto middle school, according to a January 14, 2005, AP report on FoxNews.com.
Parents—religious and secular—are tired of this insanity. They are tired of the bizarre social engineering that disrespects their families and their values, and tired of the excuses given for substandard academic performance within the public schools. Homeschooling is now the fastest growing educational movement in the country.
Internet technology has made it easier than ever before for parents to take charge of their children's education. Recently, there has been a sharp increase in classes available via the computer specifically designed for homeschooling families. Through the homeschooling associations and collectives springing up all over the nation, there are numerous educational options and homeschooling support networks available to families. There are numerous low-cost or free programs, making home education a viable option for almost every family who desires it.
Scholastic performance statistics make it clear that more and more the public school system is failing to fulfill the purpose it was created for—namely, the education of our nation's youth in academic subjects. The administrative and educational policies of many public school districts make it clear that the decision makers are willing to ignore the values held by the majority of parents and to sacrifice the physical, psychological and sexual health of our nation's youth to appease those more concerned with advancing social agendas than with what is best for children. Perhaps the secular and religious thinkers and leaders are right, perhaps it is time for parents to remove their children—and thus, the per student government funding—from a tainted and failing system.
Nice to see that you are the qualified judge on what is a rational overview, and that you see those who disagree with you as irrational. Sadly, there is a large cadre of folks on this forum who would rather say "Preach it, brother!" than reflect on other points of view on any subject.
I have yet to see any sign whatsoever that you reflected upon ANY other point of view. I believe I have seen most people here who have a problem with public schools acknowledge that you may have been fortunate enough to have decent schools, so I believe we must have reflected on your view.. however, I have yet to see you ONCE acknowledge even ONE of our complaints as legitimate. So who is guilty of walking lockstep and ignoring other views?
"That is your opinion, which you are of course entitled to."
You do realize this entitlement is exactly what is in jeopardy in today's public schools?
As a matter of fact, judging by your lack of responses to any of the specific complaints we listed, it appears that you not only do not reflect upon any other views, you are not even interested enough to READ them.
I see your reading comprehension skills are rather subpar.
I have acknowledged numerous times on this thread that there public and private schools as well as homeschoolers that are both good, bad and mediocre.
Having been on both sides of the fence and with dear friends who homeschool, I believe I am free to judge.
As per my children's schools, it was not "luck" that lead me to their schools over the years but caring and research.
Not in the schools which my children attend.
Ad hominem attacks? heh heh..
I have acknowledged numerous times on this thread that there public and private schools as well as homeschoolers that are both good, bad and mediocre.
And yet never once addressed any SPECIFIC complaints, just telling us all is well, and we are a bunch of Chicken Little's
Having been on both sides of the fence and with dear friends who homeschool, I believe I am free to judge.
having had the same, I guess I am as qualified as you. As per my children's schools, it was not "luck" that lead me to their schools over the years but caring and research.
Not all can be so fortunate as to move to places where schools are good, nor should they HAVE to, unless you wish the entire nation to be living in YOUR backyard.
I was feeling pretty smug until I hit that one. I was thinking the Atlantic...?
But even after HS (I graduated in the 70's) I could answr all the rest (and I probably could do that one too).
It helped a lot that my Mom read a lot, so all of my siblings, including me, did so also. I found HS to be pretty slow, so I graduated a year early.
Heh, do not feel bad, missing ONE is not too shabby at all. It is the Pacific, btw. Take a look at a globe, ya could spin it, and poke your finger, and have nearly 50/50 chance that you will hit the Pacific.
LOL.
Ahh mannn!!
When you put it that way, it makes sense. Note that I did not Google the answer (which opens a whole new line of thought, analgous to the use of calculators in math class...)
This reply is more to all of everyone reading but also specifically to you.
Anyway, you mention "lazy, unmotivated, and unable teachers" as one reason why the public school system should be shut down entirely. Others in this post have mentioned the worthlessness of an education degree. Unfortunately, this is true; however, many education degrees truly are worthy of honor. For example, to graduate from my university, I am required to take two American history classes, one world history class, one geography class, two science classes, one math class, and two writing classes in addition to all of the classes directly related to teaching. They will not let you graduate until you have a basic knowledge in all of the major subject areas. People who graduate from my university don't deserve to be termed lazy or unskilled. Yes, it is a large university teaching socialist ideals (which I have learned to ignore) but it does adequately equip future teachers.
In my opinion, the solution is not to close the public schools. My answer is to encourage more conservatives and morally-minded people to enter the teaching profession. Either force the Christian and private universities to improve their teaching programs or quit complaining about those of us who go to the larger universities. Support those of us who are trying to make a difference. I've read a lot on this thread about just abandoning the public school system in favor of private schools and homeschooling. I agree that the public school system is inappriopriate for many children right now but I think careful thought needs to be given to the alternatives. Many private schools aren't doing their jobs. If your public school truly is that bad, pull your children out but continue to pray for the local school and try to support those teachers who are fighting for change within it. Carefully analyze what is best for your children.
I'm not saying public education is the best option. I personally would not send my children to it in its current condition. On the other hand, I am leery of advocating closing all public schools. I think they could be great places as several posters have mentioned. I agree that they need a major overhaul. I just think coming up with a solution is a better plan than just pointing out the problems and blindly running to alternative forms of education, which may or may not be the best for every person.
I really haven't seen where anyone here is calling you lazy or a slacker. I went to public school. I sent my four children to public school. What many of us here are trying to point out is that over the past 40 years especially, (although it actually began much earlier than that) there has been a disturbing and dangerous trend to remove parental control of our own children. I am not referring to physical control. I am referring to control of their minds.
I would suggest that you read about the history of education in this country. Much of it will surprise you. It should disturb you.
Sorry, the first statement should be "more to everyone reading."
I really haven't seen where anyone here is calling you lazy or a slacker. I went to public school. I sent my four children to public school. What many of us here are trying to point out is that over the past 40 years especially, (although it actually began much earlier than that) there has been a disturbing and dangerous trend to remove parental control of our own children. I am not referring to physical control. I am referring to control of their minds.
I would suggest that you read about the history of education in this country. Much of it will surprise you. It should disturb you.
That might be debatable, considering your own views.
What high school did you go to?
I graduated from Lake Highlands in 1980.
My son has gone to both public and private, and the public was way better than the private school.
Unfortunately, I think this is a dying trend. Our school district is closing our wonderful National Blue Ribbon school.
The report concludes: "Professors of education hold a vision of public education that seems fundamentally at odds with that of public school teachers, students, and the public… Education professors put the public's priorities squarely at the bottom of their list."
One textbook for aspiring teachers has this message: "Committed teachers can empower themselves by joining forces with like-minded colleagues in the project of reformulating curriculum, altering the nature of classroom discourse, and establishing alliances between schools and oppositional political movements…Through these practices, teachers will be able to redefine their role, establishing credibility as teacher-scholars and also as political activists."
What would be the goal of such a dramatic change in teacher behavior?
The authors continue: "This change has the power to transform schools' fundamental mission."
It is distressing to think that some colleges of education see their role as preparing teachers to "leave us as quiet revolutionaries." Parents want their children to be educated, not used as political pawns or turned into activists.
But colleges of education do not have a monopoly on promoting a liberal point of view.
For example, on September 22, the National Education Association (NEA) and other organizations hosted a series of grassroots "house parties" on education. While discussions of education can be informative and help to educate the public on complex issues, this is only true if accurate and unbiased information is provided.
Let's consider the activities of just two of the organizations partnering for this event. One is the liberal activist group Moveon.org, funded by billionaire George Soros, who has given over $16 million to groups whose agenda is to defeat President Bush. It was Moveon.org that posted two sample political ads on its web site that compared President Bush to Hitler, an action that was condemned by the president of the American Jewish Congress who called the ads "inexcusable" and "morally outrageous."
And at its July conference, the NEA called for union members to mobilize to defeat George Bush and provided Michael Moore's anti-Bush film "Fahrenheit 9/11" as a treat for conventioneers. The claim that these house parties were "non-partisan, issue-based events" somehow rings hollow.
"Wanna see how many Deeds of Trust, Warranty Deeds, or legal descriptions I had to CORRECT because the lawyers screwed them up?"
It happens. Didn't answer the question though. ;-)
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