In America the answer is politics and the teacher's union that is wrapped up 
in politics.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Vitaliy" <spam@maksimov.org>
To: "Microcontroller discussion list - Public." <piclist@mit.edu>
Sent: Sunday, March 16, 2008 7:39 PM
Subject: Re: [OT] Using vouchers to improve the 
qualityofschools(was:Educationreform)


> 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:
>
> <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_recognized_accreditation_associations_of_higher_learning#United_States>
>
>> [...]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