I just sent this to one of The Boy's teachers in response to yet another packet of projects and vocabulary sent home over the weekend. Do you think I'm out of line
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I do think the amount of time the band takes is ridiculous. I have voiced this to the director (and yes, they have a 50 minute class every day as well). Unfortunately this is Texas, where marching band and football are hardcore. And honestly, the values of physical coordination, exertion, teamwork, and camaraderie of band are just as valuable IMO as academics.
I have always thought 7 hours per day is plenty for the kids to learn AND do enough rote work to retain a subject. When the kid gets home, he should be MINE. The state does not own him, and I resent their taking more and more of his time away from what we as a family want to do.
Now they're talking about extending school hours and/or year-round school. I VERY much doubt that would improve academic outcomes, but it would be convenient for all the working families who would rather not have to find someplace to warehouse the kids during the summers. As for me, I think kids don't get nearly enough "down time" as it is. Most of them could easily learn the same amount of stuff in half the time. Most school work is busy work as far as I can tell.
Perhaps within 10 years or so, most instruction will be via video and video games. I think kids could learn vast amounts this way, rather than sitting in a chair and listening to lectures for hours on end.
Fair enough, and of course a lot of things depend on an educational model that assumes teaching can only be done in one, specific way. As you said: different ways of handling in-class time, or other ways of shifting the priorities and schedules might eliminate the need for homework (though in certain subjects I'd still argue that it's vital, like the more advanced math courses.) Still, you've got a huge point: the state doesn't own your kids. This is what drives a lot of people into homeschooling.
I have always thought 7 hours per day is plenty for the kids to learn AND do enough rote work to retain a subject. When the kid gets home, he should be MINE. The state does not own him, and I resent their taking more and more of his time away from what we as a family want to do.
Now they're talking about extending school hours and/or year-round school. I VERY much doubt that would improve academic outcomes, but it would be convenient for all the working families who would rather not have to find someplace to warehouse the kids during the summers. As for me, I think kids don't get nearly enough "down time" as it is. Most of them could easily learn the same amount of stuff in half the time. Most school work is busy work as far as I can tell.
Perhaps within 10 years or so, most instruction will be via video and video games. I think kids could learn vast amounts this way, rather than sitting in a chair and listening to lectures for hours on end.
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