For my Libertarian friends

JJLehto wrote: and Rob will replace the lectern with a giant keg.

Oh f**k yeah.

Maybe we all should run one of these days?  That'd be bitchin'.  Hey CSPAN, hope your viewers like prog! 

I feel sorry for all of you who thought high school was a waste of time. I learned a ton through my AP classes and that forms the background of my college education. This was an inner-city school too; theoretically, the suburban schools should be even better.

I'm not saying the education system is fine as is, but that not everyone wasted their time in high school. :P

Edit: Also I am not a fan of online educations. I of course have learned a ton by surfing the internet (but I feel I am unusual in that way) but the several online courses I have taken were no good. This is just personal/anecdotal evidence so I won't argue my point that fiercely, but if given the choice between online or in-person courses... in-person courses are the best by far.

Edited by Kestrel - December 03 2010 at 20:29

Kestrel wrote: I feel sorry for all of you who thought high school was a waste of time. I learned a ton through my AP classes and that forms the background of my college education. This was an inner-city school too; theoretically, the suburban schools should be even better. I'm not saying the education system is fine as is, but that not everyone wasted their time in high school. :P

I'd wager that many of us didn't waste our time- we had many teachers who did that for us!

And that's what is appealing about the idea James.
Who does want to support them?
If you're not motivated...then dropping the public education system wouln't do much damage to them (maybe some would become more motivated to learn?). Then they can start working their job/doing whatever with their life. It's cutting the middle man I guess.

Kestrel wrote: I feel sorry for all of you who thought high school was a waste of time. I learned a ton through my AP classes and that forms the background of my college education. This was an inner-city school too; theoretically, the suburban schools should be even better. I'm not saying the education system is fine as is, but that not everyone wasted their time in high school. :P

Well you are quite lucky. Education wise, my high school was a total waste and I did go to a suburban school.
I did have a few teachers/classes that were great, I'll admit.
The thing with his idea is, "AP classes" can still exist. As can those good teachers. And if someone wants to take them you could. Hell, someone could easily set up their own school, for parents who may not like the idea and their kids can go, (or do it online).

Epignosis wrote: Kestrel wrote: I feel sorry for all of you who thought high school was a waste of time. I learned a ton through my AP classes and that forms the background of my college education. This was an inner-city school too; theoretically, the suburban schools should be even better. I'm not saying the education system is fine as is, but that not everyone wasted their time in high school. :P I'd wager that many of us didn't waste our time- we had many teachers who did that for us!

Haha. I had my share of time-wasting teachers but was lucky enough to have some great science, math and history teachers.

I have a question about your proposed education plan. If students more or less become independent after elementary school, would you still require some kind of civics course? Civics education has a ton of room to improve in this country, I think, but I would rather take what we have now than to have none at all.

JJLehto wrote: Oh yeah, I failed my on line economics class. Others didn't so it is possible...but for me I have NO clue how one can learn that topic on your own and in such a loose environment.

See, mine was the opposite problem. The online econ course I took was so easy as to be useless.

James wrote: Plus there's the social aspect too.  School actually makes you who you are (not 100% obviously), to some degree.  The environment and people you grow up around do make a difference.  I just feel that if you're at home, you won't get the same social interaction.

It also allows for taunting and bullying.

James wrote: Besides, Rob, what are the parents supposed to do?  Quit work so they can stay at home to look after their stay-at-home children? Or are you suggesting some sort of financial benefit for parents?

Good question.  I (ideally) think parents should be the #1 educators of their children- not employees of the state.  I think parents should be able to either educate their kids at home, or put their kids in the private schools of their choice.  Public schools funded by the government should not be an option.  Why does the government give tax breaks to parents?  Children are tax burdens.

Kestrel wrote: Epignosis wrote: Kestrel wrote: I feel sorry for all of you who thought high school was a waste of time. I learned a ton through my AP classes and that forms the background of my college education. This was an inner-city school too; theoretically, the suburban schools should be even better. I'm not saying the education system is fine as is, but that not everyone wasted their time in high school. :P I'd wager that many of us didn't waste our time- we had many teachers who did that for us! Haha. I had my share of time-wasting teachers but was lucky enough to have some great science, math and history teachers. I have a question about your proposed education plan. If students more or less become independent after elementary school, would you still require some kind of civics course? Civics education has a ton of room to improve in this country, I think, but I would rather take what we have now than to have none at all.

I wouldn't require anything.  Learn what you need to know.  That's what I do.  It's amazing.

James wrote: Rob, have you read about the Free Schools idea being put about over here?  I'm just curious.

No, I am not familiar with that.

thellama73 wrote: JJLehto wrote: Well thank you Rob, and I'm surprised you weren't surprised I agree more or less with your idea. At least on paper. I'd like to see the current system be reformed to actually be made about education, but barring that unlikely case...your idea is appealing. And I wish I was 25. We all need to run for congress. Regardless of belief, a wave of total outsiders with crazy ideas would be good. I can arm wrestle with Pat over raising minimum wage and Rob will replace the lectern with a giant keg. I have thought about running for office, but I just don't think I could handle the bureaucracy. I'd go insane. Maybe someday, though... Anyway, I'm far to honest to ever make it anywhere in politics.

Yeah those are the 2 major problems...
Shame since the lot of us would provide one hell of a shake up. We'd have to wait a few years anyway to do this, Pat and I need to be at least 25 of course.

In reality, I doubt any of us are electable anyway.
I sure as hell am not.
"Tax is theft" will win many hearts but Pat will then say we need a private army, there should be no building codes and laws against flying a plane drunk and people will freak the hell out.
Rob's education idea is too much for the masses
Anton is too mysterious and llama, you will frighten people with your cane sword and talks of replacing jail with public flogging.


Edited by JJLehto - December 03 2010 at 20:48