'The Jeb Bush Nobody Knows' -- Part 16: A young FL homeschooler's interview with FL's Fabulous Gov

The St Petersburg Times ^ | May 20, 2002 | Intro by summer; Interview by Autumn Siegel

[summer]

I think the young lady asked some good questions and Jeb gave her good answers.

I agree with you, al_possum39. And, thank you so much for taking the time to check this thread! :)

[summer]

I don't think you can accurately call it a public school, since it does not issue diplomas, and it offers courses not available in public schools. It is, however, an accredited distance learning school, and it serves students in all areas -- homeschool students, private school students and public school students, if they want to take any of the online courses offered. In addition, it is not required of any homeschooled student in this state, though many choose it. A high school diploma would be obtained from the local high school, not from this online school. Some additional information is available HERE.

I think it is just terrific that FL offers this for free to every high school student in FL. If you are a high school student attending whatever educational environment, and you want to take Advanced Placement classes, for instance, you can take such classes online, without having to attend a classroom. And, these AP classes are certainly given substantial consideration in a student's application for college.

[summer]

I thought you might be interested in this Part 16, and in posts #200 and #202. :)

[summer]

Hi rube, I thought you might enjoy reading this Part 16.

BTW, if you happen to know any Dem teachers, tell them this true story from me: My friends, who are on the LEFT, no longer vote Dem for one reason -- homeschooling.

Usually they vote Green in elections whenever a Green is running, but when a Green candidate is not running, well, they still won't vote Dem. So, they are considering a GOP gov candidate this year -- the one who supports their decision to educate their children via homeschooling, and supports their 24 hour round the clock devotion to their children. That candidate's name is Jeb Bush.

Yes, voting GOP for FL gov will be new for them, but no more votes for Dems who will not support homeschooling.

So, in short -- remember to tell any Dem teachers you know: my friends who said this consider themselves to be on the LEFT. They care about homeschooling because their lives center around homeschooling. And, it looks like Gov. Bush is getting their vote, unless a Green enters the race.

[ClaireSolt]

Beats me. A radio commentator says that Bush has gimmied scores to show more improvement than there is. I am sure that it is politically difficult to close schools in black neighborhoods with black, union teachers ready and able to bring in Jesse or Al Sharpton.

I don't see gains commensurate with expense in third grade classes limited to 15 students. Gains are about 10% versus 100% increase in cost.

In Texas, George Bush retrained teachers, has that been tried here, yet?

[kinganamort]

posted and linked to on front page www.repunk.com in new section

[summer]

Wow! Great -- thank you, kinganammort. I will certainly make sure I visit your site, at www.repunk.com

Hey, I just checked it out on the left sidebar! That looks TERRIFIC! And so does your re-designed homepage! Gosh, you are talented!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

[summer]

I thought you might enjoy this interview. :)

[summer]

In Texas, George Bush retrained teachers, has that been tried here, yet?

Yes, that is happening now, as teachers in FL will now be retrained for reading.

As for the difference in reading and writing scores -- I have noticed that writing scores are often higher than reading scores. IMO, this is because a student has an easier time grasping the fundamentals of writing, because in teaching writing to these elementary students, you can actually teach them where to use certain words and phrases in an introduction and a conclusion, how to organize the essay, etc.

But, in teaching reading, you have to teach the students skills not as easily grasped by some students, because they have to comprehend what they read. And, this means they must understand information implied in what they read. They often do not. One of the reasons is because many students have a very limited vocabulary, and can not ascertain the meaning of text.

But, when they write, they are choosing their own words, and using an organizational pattern they have learned; while teaching reading, and reorganizing that schema in their head, and adding new vocabulary, is much more difficult. Hence, lower reading scores. That is my theory, but I only have a MA, not a PhD like you! :)

[summer]

FYI -- Just Read, FL!

[Calvert Cliffs Cafe]

BUMP for some good background info and Jeb's no nonsense attitude too.

[summer]

Thank you for your comments and kind words here, Calvert Cliffs Cafe! I really appreciate that you took the time to check out this post. :)

[summer]

For index. Hopefully, it will work this time!

[summer]

FYI. This Part 16 is the newest part of my series about Gov. Bush. :)

[Reactionary]

Thank you. :)

[summer]

My pleasure. And, thank YOU, Reactionary! I appreciate your post. :)

[summer]

FYI, in case you missed this. :)

[Jennifer in Florida]

Thanks for the ping, Summer. Florida Virtual School sounds wonderful!

[summer]

FYI. :)

[summer]

Pablo, I don't know if you saw this Part 16, but I thought you might enjoy it! :)