BINGO "Probably most importantly, I want her to learn how to learn -- because I believe that education is a life-long experience." This is the greatest flaw I have seen "in the kids" I have met in the US. I'd love to hear though from other's observations in other countries as I didn't have a lot to do with age 8-17 kids before coming over here. Not sure what the cause is, but it seems that they have not been expected to think through things to get an answer - If I had to guess it would be due to teaching so they can pass a standardised test. >>> spam@maksimov.org 16 Mar 08 19:39 >>> William "Chops" Westfield" wrote: >> If so, explain what makes the business of educating individuals so >> different >> from other businesses. > > Lack of the ability to reject one product and try another "instead." What is "product" in this case? Students or schools? Are you saying it's an inherent flaw, or a limitation of the current system? > Lack of objective and well-agreed upon ways to measure the results. It's a valid concern, but it can be overcome. The ways don't have to be objective, you and I make subjective comparisons all the time. I can compare two school programs, and say "this one is better". The industry should be trusted to come up with the official metrics. The process would not be much different from the one used for university accreditations: > [...]Snake oil and "corruption" - "bring your vouchers, I mean > kids, here, and our program of military discipline / religious > indoctrination / new age spiritualism / modern educational methods / > old fashioned educational methods will surely ensure that your child > will become a doctor / lawyer / ceo / wonderful person / well > adjusted conforming member of society / intellectual revolutionary / > wealthy / happy." In other words, "we can't trust the parents with the choice". If we follow your and Byron's logic, all children should be placed in a government-run foster care system. > I don't know what makes parents "satisfied" > with their children's education, and I don't think other parents do > either. What makes you satisfied about *any* purchase? In general, studies indicate that when asked, customers want more of the same, for less. They don't know what they want, until someone gives them what they want. So I'll know what makes me satisfied with my child's education, when I'm satisfied with it. :) I have a pretty good general idea of what I expect for my child. There are certain milestones that I want her to reach at certain times, such as being able to read, write, work with fractions, use the computer, know certain facts from history and geography, etc etc -- what some would call the "common knowledge". Probably most importantly, I want her to learn how to learn -- because I believe that education is a life-long experience. I think I would be satisfied if I knew that my child's school is performing as well or better than the world's best schools. Vitaliy -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist