My main problem with American education is that we who have so much take it for granted and do so little good with it.
The "problem of American education" is complex. I got a history major and then went back for an education major and learned all the theories. I developed strong opinions about it all. I really think there is a difference between the basic philosophy of education in America as compared to (especially) continental Europe. European schools have evolved out of their historic medieval roots. I really don't know much about them except what I learned about German schools when I took that language in college, but they have two tracks; a student has to qualify for college-bound education, otherwise they will be "worker-bees". Reminds me of the recent shooting which goes to show that that system is imperfect, too. But I still think it's better than the system we have in America, which has been foisted on Americans by the John Dewey school of thought. Hence, American schools are modeled after factories. The whole idea is to put out a product called a student graduate who is a capable member of society. That member of society is educated in order to meet certain expectations, such as supporting the economy, the political system, the established way of things. It is not structured for the purpose of free thinking. I personally think that home-schooling is one of the best things to happen to American education in a long time, because home-schooled students are not subjected to this product oriented mentality, and they tend to excel. Granted, those who are homeschooled have parents who received a pretty decent education themselves. If I rant any further I'll be straying into socio-political commentary so I'll cut it short.
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