Hey, just wondering if anybody saw this recent article (or anything like it) and had any thoughts on the subject? I think it's very interesting, I'm not sure where I stand on the issue, I can't even remember the minimum math-science I had to take in pre-college years...
I do think both subjects are really important. I also personally think science is extremely interesting, and can usually intrigue every student on at least some level! But I'm biased so there we go. Here's a quick quote form the article: If improving science and math education is suddenly a national priority, someone apparently forgot to tell the parents and the students. In a new poll, 57% of parents say "things are fine" with the amount of math and science being taught in their child's public school...
I am not to sure where I stand. I think it depends on the student and what they plan to do after high school. I took 3 years of math and 3 in science in HS and that was almost 15 years ago and I know that it is the same now because my baby sister graduates this year . You can't force a kid who hates math or science to like it and if they don't want to take it because it will play no part in life for them then I am not sure they should be forced to take it because it may be the edge they need to drop out or skip or whatever. Who knows though, I think 3 years of each is sufficient but only require 2.
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All I know is that I'm not using anything more advanced than basic algebra, and I don't use any sort of science in my career. I am an electrician. I use a lot of math, but mainly the basics (add, subtract, multiply, divide).
I don't think advanced math or science are important unless the student plans on getting into a career where it is necessary. What kind of careers require calculus or advanced algebra?
IMO, a lot of the things taught in highschool are useless. Who cares what author wrote what book. I don't care who wrote the NEC (National Electric Code book). Why was I forced to study Hamlet? Or Biology? I don't care how single-cell organisms operate. And neither does my boss. So basically, I have wasted a bunch of the space in my brain to hold useless trivia which I never use.
I feel highschool now should be more like college. Planning for a career. If the career requires more schooling, great. Go to college. But instead of learning about The Canterbury Tales, don't you think the kid who wants to be a mechanic should be studying engine layouts and how to rebuild a car?
PFF i was saying that IN high school.....but chitlins should be taught all those things. Or at least exposed..maybe they will enjoy it....if not dont force it on them anymore. However alot of english and history also teached them how to learn in general and critical thinking skills. I think the people graduating high school are stupid enough....teacing them only what they need to do work is setting them up for failure.
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I still feel a lot of the stuff I learned in HS was trivia. Useless knowledge that I wouldn't need to do 99% of the jobs out there. Math up to basic algebra, basic science, history and reading / writing basic SKILLS are all you really need to survive in any job market. Does my employer or your employer need to be sure we can do calculus or write a novel? No. So why did I have to learn how to do so? I was not interested, so it was a waste of my time, the school's time and money to teach me (Public Schools, bitches!). I would've much rather been in auto shop or something.
I'm not saying they should learn ONLY the job skills needed for a certain job, but beyond basic math, science, history and English, let the kids learn what is relevant and interesting to them. Maybe they like chemistry. So then maybe instead of taking biology, they can just take a second chem course? Maybe the other kid wants to be a carpenter. So he should be in wood shop, not American Literature class.
The reason so many kids fail and drop out, IMO, is because school is not interesting or relevant to their life plans. That's partially why I dopped out (and got my GED). I was going to fail a (required) American history class. Not because I couldn't do the work- I just didn't care. I didn't care enough to pay attention in class or do my homework (which, IMO, homework is BS anyway- teach me when I'm at school, after that it's MY TIME!). The elastic clause had nothing to do with cars or anything else I am actually interested in. The 17th president had nothing to do with my future plans (not even the plans for the NEAR future!)
Many kids get good grades because they feel they HAVE TO. They absolutely have to learn all the knowledge being thrown at them, regardless of how relevant and useful it actually is. I say stop teaching juniors and seniors in HS the stuff they don't actually need to know. Let them learn about what interests them- you've already had 10 years to teach them everything else.
. You can't force a kid who hates math or science to like it and if they don't want to take it because it will play no part in life for them then I am not sure they should be forced to take it because it may be the edge they need to drop out or skip or whatever. Who knows though, I think 3 years of each is sufficient but only require 2.
