when I moved here from Singapore, I was at least 1 year ahead in science and math than the other students I was put in.Chapagne wrote:Actually, our best students DO score comparable with other countries. It's the fact that we test everyone, and they do not, that drags down our average.IsnipeWithAknife wrote:focus more on sciences and math. Stimulate interest and improve our scores on those fields to be comparable to other countries.
In my opinion, well-roundedness is overrated. I do believe we should have an education that covers all fields of study but we don't focus enough on marketable skills that add to the workforce. Why do we provide the same amount of time in class for math as comparative poetry? Are they both equally important in today's world? If we can only afford to have an education that is a nearly round shaped polygon, but we'll survive this budget crisis so be it. Sustainability FIRST!Chapagne wrote:I'm sure over on the World of Poetry site they can come up with plenty of abstract and indirect reasons why studying poetry is more important that it would seem on the surface, just like we can do with music. How about...studying it helps develop overall language and writing skills. You'll need those if you're going to study anything in college.Isnipewithaknife wrote:I don't see why we spend money teaching kids comparative poetry and then telling them you are ready for the real world after high school.
Please note I'm not trying to bash the English subject area as poetry is the only example I have of a class we could do without in troubling times.