I haven't read all the posts. First, the one important element missing in our schools is DISCIPLINE! IMHO, the "greatest generation" raised the crummiest kids. We are reaping the results. Some complain about the dress codes. It's been proven that children in the inner cities schools perform/behave better when dressed well (don't tell me they can't afford uniforms when I see expensive tennis shoes and baggy pants). In general, I think people who dress up behave better. Even teachers dress down now. Very young girls dress like ladies of the night (where are their parents!).
In the second place, schools should concentrate on basic education instead of all the social engineering classes. Yes, diversity, sports, ethnic history are important but it is English, math, computer, etc. that will get the jobs in the future. There isn't time in the school year to teach all that fluff! It is fluff; put it on your resume if you don't believe it.
I think Spanish and foreign language classes are also important; I have taken Spanish and German college classes. While Spanish is beautiful, I resent having to press One for English on my phone. I know for a fact that immigrants can live here for decades and never learn English--I lived in NJ once.
Several years ago a young journalist took the camera to Miami to prove that very point. Her father came during the Cuban crisis and he never learned English. Why would he when he has Spanish TV, newspapers, cafes, barber shops, etc. His entire life is surrounded by HIS language.
I think the foreign language is an asset in life and the culture of the home country should be observed, but I believe everyone should be the best AMERICAN citizen possible. Otherwise, if the first language and culture is that important that it should be forced upon the new country (USA) then why immigrate. A major city in my state has an event coming up--Hispanic Family Day. If it was a Caucasian Family Day, would that be racist and maybe grounds for a lawsuit or would that also be diversity?
Edited for errors.
In the second place, schools should concentrate on basic education instead of all the social engineering classes. Yes, diversity, sports, ethnic history are important but it is English, math, computer, etc. that will get the jobs in the future. There isn't time in the school year to teach all that fluff! It is fluff; put it on your resume if you don't believe it.
I think Spanish and foreign language classes are also important; I have taken Spanish and German college classes. While Spanish is beautiful, I resent having to press One for English on my phone. I know for a fact that immigrants can live here for decades and never learn English--I lived in NJ once.
Several years ago a young journalist took the camera to Miami to prove that very point. Her father came during the Cuban crisis and he never learned English. Why would he when he has Spanish TV, newspapers, cafes, barber shops, etc. His entire life is surrounded by HIS language.
I think the foreign language is an asset in life and the culture of the home country should be observed, but I believe everyone should be the best AMERICAN citizen possible. Otherwise, if the first language and culture is that important that it should be forced upon the new country (USA) then why immigrate. A major city in my state has an event coming up--Hispanic Family Day. If it was a Caucasian Family Day, would that be racist and maybe grounds for a lawsuit or would that also be diversity?
Edited for errors.
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