Modernize Education

It is time to modernize our system of education which is failing to prepare our youth for a global society. As Americans, we have bought into the concept that children can be educated in a lock-step, age-graded system, ignoring the individual differences. We make uniform requirements for graduation to prepare the students to choose a college and specialize their educations.

Why not provide basic core curriculum (similar to current 1st-8th grades) in a format where students learn at a rate compatible with their ability in a year-round format. (Editor's note: I was Principal of a similar school for 16 years). Then have a year of Introductory courses to introduce paths of specialization for high school. Those introductions would provide a broad spectrum of experiences and grading would help students analyze their interests.

Those bent toward science could specialize in algebra, trigonometry, physics, agriculture, botany, biology, geology, zoology, astronomy, chemistry, genetics, nuclear, aerospace, etc. Liguistics could be introduced leading to specialization in other languages (written forms like Latin and spoken forms of other cultures). This should lead to those specializing in verbal communication and those in written communication. We should include computer languages as well.

Students adept in artistic abilities could be introduced to vocal or instrumental music, or visual art (painting, sculpture, etc.). Why should TV's "American Idol" produce the next entertainers?

Those interested in society could specialize in law, politics, history, law enforcement, speech, ethics, religion, etc.

Those interested in physical education could specialize in various sports, or sports medicine, kinesiology, team concepts, and individual skill training, nutrition, body-building, or astronautic skills.

We cannot continue to have a system that allows students only to know as much as their teachers. The Beaumont Public Library has a great quote on its wall, "Pygmies see farther than giants, because they stand on the shoulders of giants." Teachers should become mentors, trainers, supervisors, or coaches in the process of each child developing a unique education experience.

Studies of prisoners would expose a great preponderance of people who struggled with scientific concepts but excelled in artistic abilities. They just didn't have a way to learn and be recognized as a member of society; there are few high school graduates among prisoners. Gangs, cliques, and clubs in schools all point to a need for greater specialization in education. Mixing chronological ages and removing the ranking of classes should promote friendships and relationships. Failing grades would be eliminated because students would be progressing in fields of their own interests.

Instead of sports rivalries between neighboring high schools, there could be high schools of specialization and students would choose which high school to attend to get training in their own interests. Let's use those buses to transport students to specialized high schools instead of just to desegregate. The sports would be done by those interested in physical education. Perhaps an entire county would have just one team in a sport to compete against other county teams.

There are some steps in that direction already. Locally we know of students from Laverne and Forgan High Schools who have chosen to attend the School of Science and Mathematics in Oklahoma City. One is now studying to become a medical doctor.