I was the one who started this thread when I asked the question relating to the merits of arts/music education in a time of budget limitations and failing students. It has been a good thread and a lot of good information and though has been passed on to all of us. But I think that some label under the misapprehension that "what is good for my child is good for every child." I don't believe that is the case. By definition, for every kid with a 120+ IQ, there is an equal number of kids with IQs of 80 and below. For every physics major who gets great enjoyment out of playing the violin, there are more who flunk physics or never take it because they couldn't pass the earlier science and math courses, even when well taught. It may come as a shock to some, but not every kid is going to go to college. Some will become clerks, receptionists, telemarketing reps, assembly line workers, restaurant workers, janitors, housekeepers, taxi drivers, etc. They won't make much money. They'll probably need a second job just to live.
Some may never hold regular jobs. Some will become carpenters, electricians, truck drivers, carpenters, electricians, skyscraper window washers, cement contractors, etc. Some of them will end up owning their own companies. It would be nice if they were interested in art and music. But maybe they might be interested in hunting, fishing, bicycling, running, stamp collecting, gardening, quilting, sewing, etc. Or maybe they will have sick children or spouses where they don't have time for anything. These last people will need to be able to read and write and do arithmetic. It seems that many in the schools these days can't do that. In a time of paltry budget increases and declining enrollments, the percentage of kids who need real help with the basics will grow higher and higher in the district. Giving them a lot of room for expression won't help them much as adults if they can't read the job application form. Ray Marshall Minnehaha REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
