Comments on: Fort Worth Mom Blog: Letter to College Students Everywhere

By: eleiva

eleiva — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 18:24:21 +0000

Yes, I recommend Finland’s scholastic system, too, especially for the comprehensive inclusion of children with disabilities (esp. learning) and social challenges. Most European countries have significant graduation requirements for their high school students that are standard countrywide – the Abitur in Germany, Finland and the Czech Republic, the Maturita’ in Italy, the Bac in France, the A Level in the UK. I wouldn’t say this has come at the expense of democracy or – in Europe, at least – social engagement of kids. There are private schools there, too, but they have a different role. Society and state institutions are responsible for public education though – the system that ensures the minimum level of achievement, necessary to function in it as a responsible member.

Educators and leaders in the US recognize there are problems in education that need attention. They are too complex to be discussed here comprehensively as so much has already been researched and written about them. In the area of math and sciences, I would recommend the TIMMS http://nces.ed.gov/timss/, which compares student achievement in the US to that of other developed countries.

Thanks for starting the topic – it’s something so important and dear to my heart, too. And to all of us who have kids

By: Sonja

Sonja — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 03:01:45 +0000

This discussion is really carrying quite far. I’ve read your comments and feel I’m going to have to write another blog post on the topic, discussing for you and Eleiva my take on the perceived shortcoming of American education when compared with various aspects of the educations offered abroad. But what it really comes down to, is you can’t have a profoundly democratic system, like ours, without losing some ground to systems that run like private schools with a testing or admissions process. Perhaps the question I really am concerned about is “what price tracking?” I’m still turning this over in my head, but thanks very much for the thoughtful comments. The discourse must continue.

By: David

David — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 23:31:34 +0000

I’d like to offer another international thought about the education system.

In Taiwan, and I think other countries in Asia as well, there is a placement exam at every level–jr. high, high school and college. You are assigned to schools based on your score. However, not every aspect is so punishing. The more prestigious the university, the less the student pays. The students who are admitted to National Taiwan University (Harvard) pay the least tuition while students who are admitted to a LeTourneau (no offense; I went to UT I’m just trying to find an example) pay a lot more.

The downside of so many quantitative placement exams is that too much emphasis is placed on academic rather than social growth i.e. It’s more common for American high school kids to work than high school kids in Asia.

The Dallas Morning News also has a fascinating article about the Finnish school system.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/world/stories/020809dnbusfinaland.30a53af.html

Excerpt:
By the time Finland’s children complete the ninth grade, they speak three languages. They have studied algebra, geometry and statistics since the first grade. And they beat the pants off students from just about everywhere else in the world.

In math, science, problem solving and reading comprehension, Finland’s 15-year-olds came out at or near the top in international tests given in 2000, 2003 and 2006. Even the least among Finnish students – the lowest 10 percent – beat their peers everywhere else.

By: Sonja

Sonja — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 13:06:34 +0000

We had our kids in Italian schools for 7 months when we lived in Italy, and there is much to admire in the Roman school system. That said, the scope and ambitions of the American system mark it apart, and our higher education system, both public and private, is distinguished worldwide. I really feel it’s a good system.

I attended California public schools, as did my husband, which are some of the most casual in ambitions, but after living in Italy I feel we’re as educated as the average European with the same number of years of schooling (16 and 19, respectively). As a teacher, I’ve seen that there is great diversity in student abilities, and to some degree, the ability and inclination of the student is going to be the defining point in how educated that person becomes.

By: eleiva

eleiva — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 04:46:34 +0000

I have lots of reasons to thank the American education system – actually, not the system itself, but specifically two private elite institutions and their extremely generous scholarships – my grad school and my son’s prep school.

However, I know that even to be able to even get my figurative foot in their door, I had already had the benefit of the great free education system of Europe. I’ve never compared myself to other people’s educational experience here because I knew it wouldn’t have been fair – I had that previous advantage. American education can be great, but unfortunately it all depends on your social position.

By: Sonja

Sonja — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 10:51:41 +0000

On the topic of being a Grateful American — I think emphasizing these feelings was more typical in the past. But in the last 50 years, many in the teaching and writing professions seem to have believed that being grateful and proud of what our country offers might make kids and others warlike and arrogant. I don’t think that’s true; it’s time for a correction in our vision of ourselves.

By: It’s A Friday Roundup | Fort Worthology

It’s A Friday Roundup | Fort Worthology — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 19:00:59 +0000

[...] talks about O. B. Macaroni and Fort Worth social media, has her own Fort Worth web roundup, writes a letter to college students everywhere, and makes her own statement about the sad condition of Heritage [...]

By: David

David — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:14:20 +0000

This is wonderful. “Grateful” and “American” need to be in the same sentence more often.

By: Sonja

Sonja — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 01:44:47 +0000

Well Firnafth I think I have to go with the enviro sci types. Clearly, to be uneducated is a handicap people have to overcome or deal with. I don’t think it’s elitist to want the best possible life for everyone. And most wellbeing indicators are positively influenced by more education.

Thought I understand the reason why some might want to believe it, ignorance is not bliss.

By: Sonja

Sonja — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 01:41:56 +0000

Thanks for your comment Kristen. I really feel in my heart that our American education system is a good one, I get so upset when people aren’t grateful for all the good it has done for us. I know there are problems but people always compare it to some softy ideal not to real alternatives that have existed, many of which we would not prefer to what we have.

The bumper sticker I like best is “if you think education is expensive, try ignorance,” though “if you can read this thank a teacher” isn’t bad either.