how to fix education: some thoughts

In a discussion over at his brother's blog, Peter, as always, is chock-full of ideas. This time, the subject is education. His recommendations, paraphrased, followed by my responses:

(1) Make all education voluntary, and kick out slackers and miscreants. They can re-enroll next year if they want a second chance.
I think Peter might be surprised to know how many public school teachers would agree with him. Of course, by "voluntary," does Peter mean at the student's or the parent's choosing? The latter, I'd imagine, would do little to change the status quo.

(2) Eliminate multiple-choice tests.
Hear, hear. In fact, Peter might also be surprised to know that some standards-based testing (like our state's WASL) already devalues multiple choice. Most of the questions are essays or short answers, even in the math and science sections. However, the range of knowledge assessed in those tests is still rather narrow--which is why they are a waste of time and resources, adding little to nothing to education.

(3) Have teachers learn content, not "theories, methods, and gimmicks."
I can speak to this. I double majored in English and history, and gained a teaching certificate as part of a master's level course in teaching. Although my courses in theory and instruction were valuable, far more valuable were many observational experiences and two separate student-teaching stints, as well as one-on-one work with excellent mentor teachers. (I won't say much about Peter's limited-sample survey of the reading habits of teachers. I'm a high school English teacher with rather bright, well-read, non-escapist colleagues, so my views are biased in a different direction.)

(4) Reform labor laws so children as young as 10 could work in limited employment, with special protections from abuse.
This will never happen, ever, even if it would be a good idea.

(5) Let students decide earlier on a vocational or college-prep path.
This already happens in Germany (and other countries, I'm sure). Despite what's going on in some places, in others, vocational education is having a renaissance, thanks to its expansion into higher-tech realms. For example, a Capital High student can attend classes at New Market and learn computer programming, culinary arts, or auto mechanics.

(6) Enough with the "college degree gets you more money" rhetoric.
I share Peter's concern that our society has lost focus on the purpose of higher education. On the other hand, research in tracking shows that students of lower socioeconomic levels are underrepresented in college tracks. A college degree provides access to exclusive opportunities in many arenas. We have to be careful to not deny that access based on hidden biases, unquestioned assumptions, or structural inequalities.

(7) Revive apprenticeships.
I'm not qualified to comment on the particulars, but based on my own educational experience as a student teacher (and, Peter, my readings in educational theory), it seems like a good idea to me.

(8) No more celebrities telling us how to live our lives.
Amen to that.