Not sure I want to get tangled up in this mess of a thread, but here goes. (btw, I'm critiquing US school systems, private AND public)
1. What are your thoughts on standardized testing? Good or bad? Why so?
Standardized testing is ridiculous. It tests skill in academic realms, but ignores the other major skills. (people, art/music, physical). In essence, it is made for 1 archetype of person. Just to clarify, I did receive a 34 of 36 on the ACT.
2. What are your thoughts on special needs education? Good or bad? Why so?
Special needs, in general, is letting a bunch of really intelligent people sit on their asses for hours on end, bored to distraction and misbehavior. Then they grow up and are a drag on the system because they were never taught anything. Most special needs children are astoundingly intelligent, but are incapable of normal physical movement or social interaction. Specials needs programs are useful, but should be able to understand what a child's realm of capacity is, fill in the gap, and in a way that can continue after school, so as to help maximize that child's output. (My brother is special needs, this is firsthand information)
3. Do you feel Sexual education is an important class? Do you feel it should be improved, stay the same or be removed?
Most definitely! Unfortunately, most middle/high school students sleep around without knowing much of anything. Telling them not to is a waste of time, no one is listening-and it stigmatizes Sex Ed. Instead, it should be taught in such a manner that the students understand the danger, and the necessary tools to perform safely should be provided. (DISCLAIMER: I do not support underage sex, but the best way to de-stigmatize Sex Ed is by getting to their level.)
4. Do you think we should teach more general subjects? A "prepare you for life" class, basically.
There are 2 questions here. What is commonly considered 'General Education' is, in fact, far too specific to be called general. Especially with the Maths and English/Grammar. To answer the other question: There should most certainly be a life skills course. At a MINIMUM, it should teach teens to do laundry, cook relatively healthily, clean effectively, balance a checkbook, pay taxes, build a resume, and dress appropriately for a variety of situations.
5. Do you think the maths classes are important, and if so, important for what? Are they good,bad? Do they need improvement at all?
Math up to Pre-Algebra is important, for general knowledge. Geometry is also valuable, just to know. Higher levels should be considered specialized, though not extremely so. Statistics should be a required course, because it is often more proofs and logic than actual math.
6. What are your thoughts on the current state of Social studies classes? Do you think they are doing a good job?
I never took a social studies class. That being said, I have no fucking idea.
7. What are your thoughts on language classes? Good or bad ? Need improvement?
Much of what is is taught in grammar these days is unnecessary, and should be reserved for specialists. As for foreign languages: Any time multiple cultures are being instructed in the fundamental piece of another, it is a good thing.
8. Do you think evolution theory should be taught in schools? If so, what about creationism? What other theories?
Ideally, neither. Pure science is the presentation of facts devoid of bias or foregone conclusion. That being said, it is impossible to represent science free of bias, and therefore, both schools of thought should be taught, though they are not perfectly exclusionary.
9. Do you think the social environment in public school is great? Do you find it lacking? Should it exist at all?
Not sure what you're asking, may need some clarification.
10. What are your thoughts on the extracurricular activities? Such as art, chorus, orchestra, JROTC, Sports, or Shop class. Do some need to leave? Do others need improvement?
Extracurricular activities develop the remaining 3 skill sets (people, art/music, physical). Each should be given equal weight in school, not all 3 lumped as an add-on.
11. What are some classes you'd like to see?
Understanding others: A class in which you learn to 'see what others see'. It should teach you to think like another person, and gain a better understanding of other people in general.
12. What are your thoughts on integrating technology into education? Are the 2 distinct? What are your tips to do this correctly?
The two are distinct, and they aren't. Education should include teaching children to use technology, then allowing them to use it for its intended purpose (assisting people in increasing efficiency), ESPECIALLY in the classroom.
13. What about PDA Public Displays of Affection in school? How have you felt about this? Do you really care at all either way?
Think it should be allowed, to a point. No public sex. No public exposure of indecent flesh (short-shorts are ok, belly shirts at discretion, bikini is a little too little-basically, just use a brain). Holding hands, kissing, maybe even feeling should be fine, at discretion. It should be restricted to people who pass the aforementioned Sex Ed course, so as to ensure those doing it are educated, and as an incentive to take *AND DO WELL IN* the course.
And let the shitstorm of responses come.
