I think I have the solution to America's failing schools issue.
Supposedly, our nation is rooted in the idea of democracy and an economy based on capitalism. A quick look at any government school system, by even the untrained eye, quickly reveals that these so-called "American ideals" are being violated. In a "survival of the fittest" economy that we are supposedly training students to survive in beyond the walls of these sacred ivory towers, the government education system counterintuitively creates an environment that seems rather socialist. Let me explain. The idea that everyone is equal is the driving force behind current graduation requirements and education standards. It seems that the powers that be have decided that in order to graduate from a public institution, everyone needs 4 years of math, 4 years of English/lit, 3 years of science, etc. At the very same time, leading educational researchers preach to us that there are about 8 different learning styles and at least 8 different "intelligences." While we educators are supposed to be accomodating for these 16 different niches, the very administration that encourages these ideals also sets these ridiculous equal requirements for all students nonsense.
After being in education for 4 years, I have almost come to the full conclusion that not all students are willing or capable of demonstrating basic algebra skills, writing chemical formulas, balancing chemical equations, and I could go on for days here. For some, it's an issue of laziness and for some it is the complete lack of capability. However, our "education standards" require these and other ludicrous benchmarks as a demonstration of success. Keep in mind that this illusion of success is often accompanied by the inability to maintain even a minimum wage job, a complete lack of basic reasoning skills, poor productive social skills (the minimum required to obtain most decent jobs in the absence of affirmative action), and a general absence of common sense (such as being smart enough to wear a condom). While some standards make perfect sense, such as a physical education and health, government, etc., the idea of equal everything for everyone is utterly nonsensical.
Somewhere along the last few decades, the term vocational has become a nasty word. A word reserved for the dumbest of the dumb. If you can't hack it in academia, you need a vocational track. And we all know that the classrooms are filled to the brims with the Einsteins of the future. To be honest, I disagree with this stigma that has become associated with the vocational arts. My decision is based on two principles: 1) the very multiple intelligence theory that is touted in all of the most basic of education courses, and 2) the common sense idea that no matter how many engineers, managers, IT professionals and doctors we might think we need, we're still going to need our drains unclogged when the toilet overflows at 3 AM. I know several plumbers that earn a significant amount more than I do, not to mention mechanics, computer repair techs, nurses, and probably even some janitors.
My solution? Somewhere around the beginning of the 9th grade, an evaluation has to be made for each and every student. This evaluation should probably be based on more than some standardized test, but realistically probably cannot be. However, based on this evaluation, a decision is made about whether you will be allowed to continue in academia or whether you will go to a technical/vocational school where you will learn a trade. In either case, if you want to screw around, go ahead. It just may affect your ability to continue your educational pursuits. Not cutting the mustard in academia? Guess you're on a vocational track now. The sad part is that before learning a trade became a task of the social undesirables, the goal of education was pretty much in line with this seemingly foreign concept. Just look at the schools of 30 years ago.
My proposal may seem a bit extreme, especially to those who are veiled under the illusion that our schools are doing a fine job and still suffer from the delusion that every person is capable of becoming the next President of the United States. And while it may not be the easiest solution or a perfect solution, some shift towards a system that realizes that individuals are different and that individuals are responsible for themselves and their actions should be on the agenda of every American citizen. The problem is that we have sat back quietly for too long while public schooling has become some sick, watered-down entitlement program instead of the glorious, fabled land of opportunity that everyone still seems to expect.
