Joe
EDU150
Jared T. Byrd
April 8, 2010
It has been interesting to see, despite the difference in demographics, some of the similarities between the responses I got during the Joe Public interviews. The absolute prevailence of Math really isn't too surprising, but it is very, very central; it's on everyone's top three. The only person who I (unofficially) interviewed that did not specifically include Math was a communications major, graduating this year, who was also the only one to insist that Art be part of the prime core cirriculum. Science made the top of the list with most of the younger crowd, Reading and Writing with those over 55. Another interesting point: English was just termed as "English" for most responders except for the older generations, who separated Reading, Writing, and English and one of the younger who specified that English needs more focus on grammar and proper writing and speaking skills, and less on studying works; more practical, less critical thinking.
There is a strong correlation between questions four, five, and six. The interviewies' responses seem truly based on question six: should the school have an active hand in establishing morals and values in the students. Generally speaking, those who had a positive experience with education say yes. Those who had negative experiences, with either their education or government institutions in general, say no. Also, for questions two and three, while most think preparing students for college is a good idea, everyone I interviewed said some marketable skill should be taught to some degree. Though there was some divide as to whether K-12 should be considered as training grounds for college.
Conspicuously absent from these questions were the ones we hear on news interviews regarding public education; "are teachers paid enough," "are there enough teachers per classroom," "is public education doing a good job?" Of course, everyone wants more when it comes to the quality of public education, but no-one is there to foot the bill.