On Public Education in America

I hear a lot of complaining about education in America. If not from the news media, then from frustrated parents who think it should be done differently, or better.

I am not denying that there are gaps in the system, and it is true that quality of public education has a lot more to do with where you live than anyone cares to admit. The nicer the neighborhood, the better the schools. The bigger the town, the more curriculum options offered. (Move to a large town when your kids are in high school!)

Just recently, one of the foreign exchange students was over at our house visiting with Helena. She is from Germany and needed a signature from the High School German teacher...our next door neighbor. He wasn't home, yet, so she and Helena were swapping cultural experiences at the dining room table while eating the remains of a cake.

I couldn't help but overhear as she explained the educational system in Germany.

In Germany, by the time a child has reached fourth grade, he or she has been evaluated to determine which secondary school he/she will be permitted to attend. Those who have done well will be sent to the premier curriculum and complete through 12th grade and go on to University.

Mediocre students will be sent to the 2nd tier curriculum to study through 10th grade and go on to a trade training school somewhere.

Poor students in the FOURTH grade, will be sent to the third tier secondary educational system to study until the 9th grade, then be sent out to work the least desirable jobs in society.

Now, I ask you, what do you think? FOURTH grade as the determination of a lifetime of opportunities or lack thereof?!

Our system is certainly not perfect, but it does leave a lot of room for personal growth and personal opportunity. I am so grateful for living in such an inspired country. I am glad that I 'survived' public education. I even managed to get myself into University, despite my 'mediocre' performances throughout public education. And I am glad my children are being given the opportunity that so many other children in this world are denied!