capter 3 summery schooling

Natalie

English 1101

Schooling!

  Wow! Schooling now is crazy compared to what it use to be before the “no child left behind act.” The NCLB Act is when the state sets goals for proficiency levels in reading and math, and increases them gradually until all students are preforming on grade level. In my opinion all that that act did is a big nothing for us. All that they did was attempt to fix a problem but only half ass. They made new rules and requirements but they did not change the environment. I remember as a child how easy  elementary school was. It was more of a daycare and learning to socialize. So yes it was a lot easier. I volunteer for my kids at there school. Some of the things that they are learning makes me amazed, and very proud, but I am a very involved mother. I do know what my kids are studying and I help them. But just imagine some of those kids who parents don't help them out and all they get is help from a horrible teacher. They need to offer summer school, after and before school for one on one help. To help the kids catch up or get ahead. They should offer this not just for lower income students but to all students.  The government provides the funding for the school system so they control it to much in my opinion.

  In Sizers essay he says high school is for acquiring knowledge and accept academic fundamentals. It helps develop the ability to make decisions to solve problems, reasons, independence, accepting responsibility, self-evolution and contact in self improvement. He says high school also helps prepare you for a career and economic compliance, citizenship and civil responsibility, social relation, moral and ethical values, self realization, mental and physical health, aesthetic awareness, and cultural diversity.  I think this is exactly what high school provides. I only wish I realized  this when I was in high school. But at that time of my life I was learning and living it. 

  In Lo’s essay she talks about how the school system was so controlling because of the  situation her country was in with the USA. Her school thought anyone speaking english was betraying her country. I fell lucky to live where I live to have freedom of speech and to be who I am and who I want to be. Even tho our country is pretty controlling of the school system I think it isn't even comparable to other countries. Like I said I am grateful for where I live and go to school. But I do think they didn't fix the problem for our school systems. In My opinion its the teacher student ratio. And the parent involvement. Most parents are working because of the economy. Back when I was a kid my mom was a stay at home mom and now both parents usually have to work to survive. So I think they need to figure something out that will work with this new environment.