J-Dog
Posts: 4402
Joined: Dec. 2006
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| Quote (dheddle @ Mar. 07 2008,10:31) | Count me out of the glee over this one. This is simply a case, it seems to me, that you are delighted because something bad has happened to someone you don't like--the homeschooling families who tend to be religious. But this is just one more instance of the intervention of the omniscienct nanny state. And I suspect people who jump for joy when the state intervenes into the personal lives of citizens in "a good way" will be equally outraged if the state intervenes in a way that violates what they believe is a fundamental right.
I sent both my boys to public schools, but being devoutly religious I know probaby 50 or so families that homeschool their children. On average, in my experience, the home-scooled children are more prepared for college than the public school students, including in math and science. It is not unusual for a homeschooled kid to be doing calculus in about the ninth-grade age group. Yes, some (a surprising minority) will do the YEC/Bob-Jones science, but most use decent text books. (True, they won't teach evolution, but they won't teach creationism either--they will teach biology "factoids", parts of plants, ecosystems, etc., exactly what my kids got at the best public high school in New Hampshire.) There is no way that you can justify that clamping down on homeschooling is good because the students will now receive a better education: the data don't support it, nor the anecdotal evidence such as the well-known fact that some of the nation's most elite colleges recruit homeschooled students.
As for the credentials, that is a red herring. (This is, as almost anyone should be willing to admit, a union issue.) And especially when it comes to math and science. In personal experience, and also professionally through educational outreach from the national lab where I do my research, I have come across too many credentialed teachers who are math phobic and science phobic (and, of course, some outstanding teachers, but as far as math science goes, that's the exception) . There is no way that it is manifestly obvious that forcibly placing all the homeschooled students into their local public schools will result in their receiving a better scince/math education. No way.
So jump for joy that the fundies took a big loss, but don't pretend the reasons are pedgogical, because you can't make that case beyond platitudes. Nasty evidence like scores on standarized tests say otherwise. Just be honest and admit that you are delighted that the nanny state (this time at least) stuck it to someone you despise--and don't worry too much about who they stick it to next time.
So no, I don't think this is good news at all. |
Oh come off it Heddle. Get off your high horse.
We have been living in what you call a Nanny State since this country was founded. We are a nation of laws, not personalities (present administration exempted for some damn reason).
I have 3 kids. 2 went to a "Christian School" through 4 and 6 grade. Youngest has only attended public schools. They have all out-performed the norm, and the youngest is kicking some ass in math and science, and turned down attending gifted class at the local high school. I am sure that there is actual science out there to back up my anecdotal story.
You wrote: "Just be honest and admit that you are delighted that the nanny state (this time at least) stuck it to someone you despise--and don't worry too much about who they stick it to next time."
Yes I am delighted that the we, the people, stuck it to someone I despise! It's called democracy. If you don't like it, try a theocracy - I hear they have a nice one in Iran you might like.
edited: I changed the metaphor?
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Come on Tough Guy, do the little dance of ID impotence you do so well. - Louis to Joe G 2/10
Gullibility is not a virtue - Quidam on Dembski's belief in the Bible Code Faith Healers & ID 7/08
UD is an Unnatural Douchemagnet. - richardthughes 7/11
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