Definition Of Education - Developing Knowledge

Education standards in the United States have taken a turn for the worse in recent decades. Curriculums have steadily become diluted, to the point where our young people can graduate from high school without being able to balance a checkbook or find New York City on a map. Fully 25% of the American population is now considered to be functionally illiterate. This is a national disgrace.

Just forty years ago, not every high schooler planned to go on to college. A high school diploma was sufficient to attain a middle class existence, with a good job where you could work your way up with the expectation of realizing the 'American dream'. Those who did have college plans were anxious to attend what was then known as a 'college prep' high school, with higher course requirements and a greater diversity of knowledge. College prep high school curriculums required four years of English, math and science, plus two years of a foreign language, as well as art and humanities. The definition of education was measured in the breadth of knowledge imparted and a well-rounded development of knowledge.

It's difficult to understand how, with the passage of years and the huge inroads technology has made possible, we now have kids going through school by rote, with the only ambition being to get out of the educational system. Perhaps this new definition of education is to blame. Our government has successfully 'dumbed down' education to the point where kids are not thirsting for knowledge, but just trying to pass a Federally mandated test in order to pass to the next grade.

Kids today view high school as a way to pass time, without comprehending how a lack of education will impact their lives forever. Here in the 21st century, a high school diploma just won't cut it. A kid with a high school diploma will not enjoy the benefits, or realize the 'American dream'. It's high time we nail down the definition of education.

Until the public school system in America is revamped, parents need to give their kids reasons to develop knowledge in every area. Home schooled kids often enjoy a greater respect for knowledge, because they are not hindered by curriculums and budget cuts which exclude a vast number of topics of interest.

The onus for imparting the true definition of education lies on us, the parents. We need to encourage our kids to pursue every avenue of knowledge that will broaden their understanding and pique their curiosity. While the schools are under pressure to teach those subjects which will provide Federal funding, we parents need to do more. Is your child a natural linguist? An artist or musician? These talents are generally ignored and unfunded. We need to change this myopic approach to the definition of education. Nurturing natural talent is what will ultimately improve our world.

Summary: A good definition of education is developing knowledge. Learning starts here. The state of our education system has evolved from really making kids think to a level which they are only concerned with getting through to the next grade. Their natural curiosity which is needed for learning has been eliminated. Home schooled kids have a greater advantage with acquiring knowledge.

Related Articles :

Children Education

Related Sites :