Education

[spare_change]

“’To read, or not to read, that is the question.’ This was the question posed by the National Endowment for the Arts for a national study about reading habits. The endowment found such a sharp decline of reading that few Americans could recognize Shakespeare’s antecedent for the question... Not only are teens and adults reading less, absorbing with shorter attention spans, they’re posting diminishing test scores at almost every reading level. Only 9-year-olds are showing better scores, but those are likely to evaporate by the time they’re seniors in high school. Gender gaps abound, and in this one, boys are bested by girls, who score 13 points higher than the boys in the 12th grade. There’s more at work here than an inability to sit still. In comparisons with 31 industrial nations, our 15-year-olds rank behind those in Poland, Korea, France and Canada, among others. Poor reading spills over into levels of academic achievement. Poor readers are more likely to drop out of school, are more difficult to employ and more likely to swell prison populations. One of the saddest findings in this report is that nearly half of Americans between the ages of 18 and 24 read no books for pleasure. While the electronic media is undoubtedly partly responsible, it doesn’t have to be that way.” —Suzanne Fields

[spare_change]

Are you satisfied with the quality of education your children received/are receiving?

[MCat]

We were quite satisfied with the education our kids got. Well the 2nd two kids. Hubbys kids from his first marriage were short changed...they moved around quite often with their mom....but have actually done quite well considering their situation. His daughter put herself through college and now has a lovely job at the University of Texas in Austin. His son always had trouble reading and didn't enjoy school at all...just gets by... but seems happy with his choices.

Our two kids together...I loved reading everything...my grandmother read poetry to me when I was a child an taught me to love music. So I read poetry and other books to our kids, constantly. I was deterimined to have smart kids. They went to private lutheran school for k-8. The school expected more from the kids and their parents...we had to participate in their education. Both of our kids love to read, are quite smart and enjoy life immensely. Our has read to his 1 year old since she was born. She loves books and will sit and turn the pages, gazing up at us as we read. Its the most precious thing...

Damn it...did I get off the subject again....why do I ramble...oh well...

[surfnchat]

My wife and I homeschool... Best choice we've ever made! No regrets at all!

[spare_change]

My wife and I homeschool... Best choice we've ever made! No regrets at all!


I'm glad it's working for you. I never had a chance to consider home schooling my boys. How do you develop the discipline (time management) to be able to do it?

[surfnchat]

I'm glad it's working for you. I never had a chance to consider home schooling my boys. How do you develop the discipline (time management) to be able to do it?

It's easy when your wife stays at home full time! :55

It really isn't that hard to do. Only need 3-4 hours per day in official "school time" with the books/worksheets. I'm just amazed at how much learning can take place in that time and makes me wonder how much time I really wasted in school.

Most of the other learning takes place when we do field trips or vacation. We always find something historical or scientific to visit. And when we are not doing school, our daughter has a book in her hand. Her aunt and uncle gave her a Game Boy for last Christmas. She has no interest in it. She's rather read a book.

[spare_change]

It's easy when your wife stays at home full time! :55

It really isn't that hard to do. Only need 3-4 hours per day in official "school time" with the books/worksheets. I'm just amazed at how much learning can take place in that time and makes me wonder how much time I really wasted in school.

Most of the other learning takes place when we do field trips or vacation. We always find something historical or scientific to visit. And when we are not doing school, our daughter has a book in her hand. Her aunt and uncle gave her a Game Boy for last Christmas. She has no interest in it. She's rather read a book.


Clearly, you've got a winner!

Do you get established course criteria from some source, or are you winging it?

I'm curious, as well -- has anyone tried homeschooling and NOT been successful? Why not?

[surfnchat]

Clearly, you've got a winner!

Do you get established course criteria from some source, or are you winging it?

I'm curious, as well -- has anyone tried homeschooling and NOT been successful? Why not?

When we first started, we were looking at private schools and I asked to see the curricula. Then, it dawned on me that we could use the same ones and I could avoid the pricey tuition. :D

The great thing is that you can mix and match curricula based on your kid's learning style. Some kids really pick up on some curricula and other's don't. We go to the homeschool book fairs every year and check out the materials. We also have connections in with other homeschool groups (that's a must-do for anyone looking at homeschooling). We ask what their kids have used and have liked/disliked.

But, it can be trial and error. Our daughter didn't like one type of math curricula and told us. So we switched and she loves the new one.

There are a ton of different ways to homeschool that I never dreamed of. There's even the "unschooler" group that lets the kids decide on their own what they want to do each day. I'm not brave enough to try that.

Overall, I tell people considering homeschooling to check it out before jumping in. It's not for everyone. But, I hear of more success stories than failures.

Plus, homeschooling is becoming more mainstream. It's no longer just the folks who are "religious fanatics" or "anti-goverment zealots" that have sterotyped the homeschool movement.

We live in a big city with an atrocious school district. We didn't want to move to the suburbs and don't have the ton of cash for private schools. It was an easy decision once we looked at the pros/cons. Plus, I told my wife when we started, "How bad can you mess up pre-k?" :D

[spare_change]

What's the financial deal? You get money from the state? Federal? What does it cost you?

Do you worry about the "socializing" issues?

[surfnchat]

What's the financial deal? You get money from the state? Federal? What does it cost you?

Do you worry about the "socializing" issues?

Nope, there's no financial assistance from the state or federal government (and some people would turn it down if given the opportunity -- if you take the money, there are usally strings attached). But, it's not expensive. Last year, the books and materials cost about $400. We spend more for field trips, concerts, plays, soccer league, swim class, and memberships to museums on an annual basis.

As for socialization, I'm not worried at all. We are part of several homeschool groups and they have P.E. days, field trips, and other group activities where the kids can get together and be kids.

I need to find the link that shows that homeschoolers are better socialized than their peers in public/private school. As adults, they also tend to donate their time and money more, vote in higher numbers, and hold more leadership positions. Yes, there are kids who are not well socialized, but you'll find that no matter the schooling method. I beleive that it is the parents' repsonsibility to teach their children how to socialize and not leave it to the schools.

[Cotties]

very very interesting read...Spare keep on asking questions

and Surf..you are a clever, level headed man and it sounds like your kids are doing great

[spare_change]

At the danger of changing the subject, and I really don't want to -- I was searching home schooling assistance, and I found this. So, I will put it here -- and go back to the original discussion.

Since the Pledge of Allegiance And The Lord's Prayer Are not allowed in most Public schools anymore,
Because the word 'God' is mentioned....
A kid in Arizona wrote the attached

NEW School prayer :
Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.

If Scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a Federal matter now.



Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
That's no offense; it's a freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise.
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.



For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all.
In silence alone we must meditate,
God's name is prohibited by the state.



We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks..
They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.
We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King.
It's 'inappropriate' to teach right from wrong,
We're taught that such 'judgments' do not belong.

We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No word of God must reach this crowd.



It's scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns the school's a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot; My soul please take!
Amen

[spare_change]

Back to your regularly scheduled program --- I thought most states had voucher programs, where you could recoup the "average cost per student" if you home schooled.

Am I wrong about that, or is your state one of the minority?

[spare_change]

Nope, there's no financial assistance from the state or federal government (and some people would turn it down if given the opportunity -- if you take the money, there are usally strings attached). But, it's not expensive. Last year, the books and materials cost about $400. We spend more for field trips, concerts, plays, soccer league, swim class, and memberships to museums on an annual basis.
[/size]

What kind of strings?

[Cotties]

Don't mean to bombard you with questions Surf but if you don't mind....

Are you assigned something like a case worker/officer to over look your children's progress and if so how do they assess the child's development?

[surfnchat]

At the danger of changing the subject, and I really don't want to -- I was searching home schooling assistance, and I found this. So, I will put it here -- and go back to the original discussion.

Since the Pledge of Allegiance And The Lord's Prayer Are not allowed in most Public schools anymore,
Because the word 'God' is mentioned....
A kid in Arizona wrote the attached

NEW School prayer :
Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.

If Scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a Federal matter now.



Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
That's no offense; it's a freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise.
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.



For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all.
In silence alone we must meditate,
God's name is prohibited by the state.



We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks..
They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.
We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King.
It's 'inappropriate' to teach right from wrong,
We're taught that such 'judgments' do not belong.

We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No word of God must reach this crowd.



It's scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns the school's a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot; My soul please take!
Amen

I had to laugh when I started to read it, but then caught myself and stopped because it's too true!

What I like about homeschooling is that my wife and I get to choose the environment in which our child will learn. My wife has a bumper sticker: "When it comes to school, there's no place like home." :55

[surfnchat]

What kind of strings?

Strings like having to use the state-mandated standardized tests, submitting paperwork to the TEA, being forced to use their curriculum, and having people look over your shoulder to verify you are doing what THEY want you to do. Many people would cringe at that -- Me included.

[surfnchat]

Don't mean to bombard you with questions Surf but if you don't mind....

Are you assigned something like a case worker/officer to over look your children's progress and if so how do they assess the child's development?

I don't mind Cotties... Here in Texas, there's none of that. Some states will, but Texas is extremely liberal when it comes to homeschooling.

[surfnchat]

Back to your regularly scheduled program --- I thought most states had voucher programs, where you could recoup the "average cost per student" if you home schooled.

Am I wrong about that, or is your state one of the minority?

I did look into that at one time but came up empty. Texas defines homeschools as private schools. But when I looked there are no vouchers for homeschooling -- only private schools. I may take another look. It's been a while...

[surfnchat]

I found the link to the study I was talking about earlier: http://www.hslda.org/research/ray2003/Socialization.asp
Plus, there's a ton of great Q&A at the Texas Home School Coalition site: http://www.thsc.org/FAQ/default.asp

I need to pay my dues with the THSC... I can use my THSC membership card to 10% off all purchases at Barnes and Noble and Borders Books... Teacher discount. :55

[spare_change]

Are you required to test your child in accordance with the state scholastic achievement testing?

[surfnchat]

Are you required to test your child in accordance with the state scholastic achievement testing?

Nope! Some states require that, but Texas doesn't. :55

The only grade-level tests we use are the ones provided with the curricula. We don't need to submit those to anyone. We use them to assess how well our daughter is doing and if we need to re-review or skip anything going into the next school year. There's also the daily/weekly tests, but those just assess the lessons covered.

[spare_change]

“We could focus on the latest worrisome news in education: the results of an international test released last week that show American 15-year-olds don’t know much about science and are falling behind their peers in other industrialized nations. But why get depressed? There is an aluminum foil lining: The test also found that our teens don’t let their ignorance bother them. They may not know as much as students in Finland, Canada or New Zealand, but they think they do. When asked to rate their own scientific abilities, they put themselves at the top with their better-educated peers. This is the real trend in American education. No one can match us when it comes to self-esteem.” —Los Angeles Times

[Cotties]

that's worth a chuckle“We could focus on the latest worrisome news in education: the results of an international test released last week that show American 15-year-olds don’t know much about science and are falling behind their peers in other industrialized nations. But why get depressed? There is an aluminum foil lining: The test also found that our teens don’t let their ignorance bother them. They may not know as much as students in Finland, Canada or New Zealand, but they think they do. When asked to rate their own scientific abilities, they put themselves at the top with their better-educated peers. This is the real trend in American education. No one can match us when it comes to self-esteem.” —Los Angeles Times

[spare_change]

that's worth a chuckle



Yep -- if it wasn't so sad.

[UltimateNaneki]

Are you satisfied with the quality of education your children received/are receiving?

My parents were lucky, they have 3 children that did good in school and 2 graduated from University and one from College. We are babies of the 60's where calculators were forbidden to be used.
I believe that computers are hurting the children now a days. They don't have to think, there is a computer for that! No adding either....calculators. I would hate to be on this planet in 100 yrs. Would hate to read that 1 child out of 50 can read a book!

[Cotties]

They did well young lady..not did goodMy parents were lucky, they have 3 children that did good in school and 2 graduated from University and one from College. We are babies of the 60's where calculators were forbidden to be used.
I believe that computers are hurting the children now a days. They don't have to think, there is a computer for that! No adding either....calculators. I would hate to be on this planet in 100 yrs. Would hate to read that 1 child out of 50 can read a book!

[UltimateNaneki]

They did well young lady..not did good

Cotties ....come closer will you please :nu :nu :nu

[Cotties]

ohhhh sorry ..can I bribe you with a kiss:kk Cotties ....come closer will you please :nu :nu :nu

[UltimateNaneki]

ohhhh sorry ..can I bribe you with a kiss:kk

Can I have 2?:sc

[Cotties]

well pull out ya boobies:dd Can I have 2?:sc