“The consensus is that a lot of the things that we care most about are going backwards – education being number one.”
The public education system we currently know has been around for more than 150 years. However, the basic schooling model remains the same. It is evident that the current classroom system is outdated. Literacy rates have stagnated since 1971, while there has been no progress in math since 1990
It is a direct violation to deny children an education. Children without a proper education are less likely to have a career plan, therefore impacting the development and progress of our entire nation.
Critical thinking is key to creating free and individual minds. It is also increasingly important in today’s age, where the line between information and facts is so fine.
Students are pushed on to the next grade, because it has been decided that it is the right thing to do. There are no failures and attendance is not a requirement. There are no deadlines and students are not mandated to hand in assignments. Certificates are handed out to the failing child, further embarrassing him or her. And the majority of Canadian schools push students through with a ‘D’ average. This means that they have learned less than 50% of the course material. To tip the scale, parents have taught their children that they do not have to do what they do not want to do.
Getting a ‘D’ grade is appalling!
Society must own this one. 42% of Canadians have low literacy skills. If things do not change it is likely that that number will rise even further. Society must be accountable and responsible to educate our children. In this broken system one might have to start by educating the parents.
If little Johnny does not deserve an ‘A’ then he should not get one. If he is failing he should not be bumped to the next grade. When young adults leave a broken education system, they are unprepared for adulthood and society. And suddenly forced to face the real world – the adult world.
Children living in poverty face many barriers to accessing an education. Some are obvious — like not having a school to go to — while others are more subtle. Like the teacher at the school not having had the training needed to help children learn effectively.
It is negligent of society to send children on their way if they are not prepared.
Many parents feel their child has fallen through the cracks or gotten lost in the shuffle. They have no idea what to do.
Don’t shoot the teacher for a system that has been derailed.