Regulations On Salt?

[Monkeydad]

Originally Posted by firstdown

Your wrong with that. I think they are just trying to gain more control over our kids and acting like they know better then their parents. Sad part is that they probably do know in alot of cases whats better for the kids but this is going to far. This is just one reason my kid went and will go to private school.

You're actually right on that. The schools do have a "we know better than the parents" attitude.

However, don't think that money is not fueling most decisions made by school boards and administrators...I work with public funding (not in a school district but I see their numbers) and the NSLP does bring funding into schools...funding that is used on things other than meals for kids like internet bandwidth, their technology budgets, etc.

Originally Posted by Slingin Sammy 33

I agree with MD. When it comes to localities chasing down Fed funding, a lot of BS goes on.

FD is right...that attitude does exist. Schools teach the kids a lot of things that SHOULD be taught by the parents...without the parents' knowledge: sex education, morals, different religions OTHER THAN Christianity, politics in history class, etc.

The schools are actively trying to mold the kids' views along with and sometimes instead of teaching the fundamentals like math and English. They do have an elitist attitude while circumventing the parents, even those who are concerned, attentive parents...but I think in this case, it's not their main push here, dollars are.

[JoeRedskin]

Originally Posted by Monkeydad

FD is right...that attitude does exist. Schools teach the kids a lot of things that SHOULD be taught by the parents...without the parents' knowledge: sex education, morals, different religions OTHER THAN Christianity, politics in history class, etc.

The schools are actively trying to mold the kids' views along with and sometimes instead of teaching the fundamentals like math and English. They do have an elitist attitude while circumventing the parents, even those who are concerned, attentive parents...but I think in this case, it's not their main push here, dollars are.

I take issue with a lot of your generalities but am not going to spend half my day disputing/clarifying/refuting them. Suffice it to say, I agree in part that aspects of your statments contain truths but that to damn the entire system to the worst faults of some is inappropriate.

When it comes to teaching things that "should be taught by parents" and "actively trying to mold kids views", I would suggest that it is impossible to teach anything but the hard sciences w/out having subjective input from the District, School Administration and Teacher. I think it obvious that no guideline developed to teach children about history (including the what's whys and wherefores of various religions and their role in history), civics, art or philosophy (or, in your words "morality") that will be satisfactory to all parents. Further, I would suggest that there are certain school districts whose agendas are distinctly right of center - you know, those districts where they attempt to ban the teaching of evolution. []Page not found | Common Dreams. Regardless of the inherent subjective nature of these subjects, I think it equally ludicrous to assert they should not be taught in our schools whether it be public or private.

Educating the millions of young people in our nation is no easy task given the broad spectrum of philosophies/ideas/concepts involved. Regardless of your beliefs, the only way to insure that your children are being taught appropriately is to take an active role in their education by engaging your children's teacher, reviewing what is being taught and spending the time to provide your children the tools (at whatever age they may be) to critically analyze what is being taught to them.

You, and no one but you, is your child's advocate and their are means to fight "the system" but they are time consuming. If your child's school is teaching children things "without the parents' knowledge", that is on the parents. Is the teacher and/or adminstration lying to parents about what is being taught ["Are you teaching evolution to my child?" "Uhhh, nope. No sirree. No way Bob"]. Is their a school wide cover-up? ["Okay kids, we are going to discuss what a condom is and how to properly use it. Whatever you do don't tell your parents!!!!"]. Sure it takes work and sure their are difficulties, institutional biases and prejudices, uncooperative or lazy teachers & administrators, BUT - who is ultimately responsible for your child's welfare and education? You want to bitch about the system - then work to change it. It is one of the few things in life where you can actually and effectively make a difference. (rant over)