[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by Taz's Master

I spoke with an educator about this subject, and he indicated that early efforts paid the largest dividends (head start), and that identifying "at risk" children and enrolling them in such a program would get the best results for $ invested. I suggested a program for the children's parents be mandatory to qualify for that program, and he indicated that could work very well.

I wonder about a multi-tiered education system, maybe 3 systems. As children fail academically, they be transferred to a more regimented system, top tier a standard academic setting, second tier: uniforms, stricter discipline, less academic and extra-curricular options, third tier: last step from the penal system.

The educator I spoke with said that if parents were willing to put in the effort to help their kids, all the kids could be educated, except the drug users

My wife's aunt and uncle are both teachers, even in a small KS town they have many of the same experiences. Our local Catholic schools have no trouble recruiting teachers, despite slightly lower pay. Teachers are happy to work in an environment where they still have authority and parents who are engaged in the education of their kids.

Originally Posted by Evans, Marv

Don't know how it is now, but years ago some European countries had standard tests administered to students through the educational levels. Those showing academic inclination were continued on into academic curriculum. Those who weren't inclined toward academic pursuit were guided into a more vocational line of education. I've always wondered why every student here had to go on to a university, when in truth many who chose the vocational route end up making more money.

Isn't that Germany? I totally agree with this approach, the concept of shoving college down every high-school student's throat is incredibly stupid. Not only is college not for everyone, but many college grads don't end up with spectacular high paying jobs. My soon to be brother-in-law is a CDL truck driver, he makes very nearly the same salary that I do as an engineering manager. He also gets 1.5x OT, only works 4 days per week, and doesn't have any student loans. I have multiple friends stuck in dead-end $30k jobs because they only graduated with a Business Management degree.