Excellent point by Mr. Martin and Alletis about kids being able to learn at their own pace in the multi-grade environment of a one-room school setting. The faster learning kids benefit from exposure to the more challenging material, and the slower kids don’t have to feel the stigma of being left back a grade. A win/win.
AnAverageAmerican said:
“In my experience private schools achieve success by having high expectations and holding students to those high expectations ”
Another excellent point. Public schools presently seem to expect so little from kids, and fail to challenge them. Little wonder many get discouraged and cut class or drop out.
Re: a one year job after 8th grade- there could be a partnership between business and schools; especially useful in the hi-tech fields. The kids could also then see if the field they pick is really something they like.
Like Believer said, I too hope articles like this one can inspire those in the field of education. And if there is something an average person can do to help, ( ie. writing a letter to some particular person) please let us know.
