[JenB]

I am glad I didn't get sent to public school for high school. I started taking classes at our local community college at 15; by the time I was 18, I had graduated their two year computer science program and was accepted at a four year school.

I was exposed to opposing viewpoints from an early age. High school students are not exactly the best source of intelligent debate. And I don't want my future kids exposed to the student-teacher relationship as it exists in public schools. In college, the atmosphere is much more of a senior academic imparting facts on a narrow band of knowledge (at least, it should be; many classes don't live up to this). In primary and secondary education, the relationship is much more dictatorial. It's the difference between being in a class because presumably you want to be (or it's required for your major) and because the government is forcing you to be there. The teachers know the difference, even subconsciously, and the whole atmosphere is not something I'd want for my kids.

[stentorian conservative]

(CONTINUING OFF TOPIC. . . SORRY)

I agree with you 100 % with regard to primary ed. No way—no how. And as I stated in private message High School depends on the child.
Again, using my daughter as an example, this is a kid who wanted to make & wear a “Can I Live” tee on January 22.
This is a kid that is constantly baiting her teachers into debate. Her current soapbox being private property laws.
When my son had to do a report on a “Black Leader”, he chose J.C. Watts.

I have taught my kids to be strong in their beliefs and never waiver. If that teaching philosophy fails, it will be completely my fault, but should it succeed as it has done thus far—it will be their success.

When/if my children grow up to be Conservatives, as it appears they very well may, they will certainly not be quiet ones.

ON TOPIC. . .
The Judge should have thrown the whole thing out.