Elizabeth Ross-Harrison - Education

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Private school is the most effective method of education. Actually I lean more toward Parochial, but since that isn't an option, going with this. Why? The money isn't there for the teachers, so many of them are there because they view teaching as a vocation as opposed to a means to get a nice paycheck. And before any public school educators start jumping on me for saying that, be honest with yourselves. How many parochial school educators do you know? If you do know any, how many did you ask about why they chose parochial school over public school systems? I have a sneaking suspicion that the majority end up saying something not unlike the observation I made here.

Parents do not have an obligation to pay for their children's college. If they are financially able, they should probably help their kids with college costs, but the majority should be left for the kids.

Public schools should require students to wear uniforms. There was a time when I was opposed to this, but honestly, I'm tired of seeing students given excuses to behave poorly in school. Clothing has actually ended up as something that can spark violence in a school, so it's time to remove that "distraction."

A Masters degree should be the minimum requirement for public school teachers. Taking the highest option, although I would prefer Doctorate. We need to compete against countries that consider education the highest aspiration and vocation. We can't do that without making the requirements to become an educator much higher than they are now.

Race should not be a factor in the university admission process. Economic class should.

Meditation should be incorporated into education. Taking a few moments, not very long, to meditate when students are switching gears (i.e., after recess and phys. ed.) would probably help students concentrate in class better. Many teachers already incorporate this sort of thing - like quiet time after elementary students have been boisterous. Personally, I meditate when I have too much going on, so I can get my mind to slow down and concentrate on a specific task. That would be extremely helpful in education, and might even help many students who are suffering from mild ADD or ADHD.

Public schools should be required to offer home economics. Unfortunately, like most things in education, we cannot assume that the parents will teach their children how to manage life in the real world. Children need to learn how to manage household budgets and cook. We can't assume that they would be able to afford to eat out every night, and they'll need to learn how to build a good credit record.

High school students should not be required to pass an exit exam in order to earn a diploma.

Race should not be a factor when assigning students to public schools. Placement should be based on one of two options - either residency or academic potential, depending on how a given school system is organized.

Arts programs are an essential part of education.

Reading should be taught through the whole language approach.

the U.S. military should not be allowed to recruit in public high schools.

There is political bias in academia.

I rate America's education system "Unsatisfactory."

Standardized tests are not an effective tool for measuring student learning.

Universal preschool should be free in America.

The public school systems in America would not be improved if they were federalized.

It is not acceptable for courses on the Bible to be taught in public schools.

The No Child Left Behind Act should not be reauthorized.

States should not be forced to fund the federally mandated No Child Left Behind Act.

Schools receiving federal funds should not be required to disclose student information to the military.

The government should issue vouchers for private school tuition.

Abstinence-only sex education should not be taught in schools.

All-day kindergarten should be mandatory.

Teachers should receive performance-based merit pay.

The No Child Left Behind Act has not been effective.

Prayer should not be permitted in public schools.

Parents do not have an obligation to pay for their children's college. If they are financially able, they should probably help their kids with college costs, but the majority should be left for the kids.

UNKNOWN: Should private schools receive public funding?

UNKNOWN: Should the federal government increase higher education subsidies for low-income students?

UNKNOWN: Should school districts give parents a choice of schools?

UNKNOWN: Should American schools offer bilingual classes for native Spanish-speakers?

UNKNOWN: Should schools punish students for not reciting the Pledge of Allegiance?

UNKNOWN: Should schools practice social promotion?

UNKNOWN: Should a school have the right to require that a student take Ritalin or similar drugs?

UNKNOWN: When should schools begin teaching sex education?

UNKNOWN: Should there be a foreign language requirement in public schools?

UNKNOWN: Should education have a higher priority in the federal budget than military spending?

UNKNOWN: Should the government offer cash incentives for better student performance?

UNKNOWN: Should public schools make contraceptives available to students?