What are our children learning?

One major focus in schools from elementary to post secondary, is what kids are being taught in their classes. Well, the issue that I propose is what is not being taught. The bread and butter of any post secondary enrollment are mathematics and English. Articulation and logical thinking are being pushed more and more as the focal points of education. Fair enough. To be successful  in life, the knowledge gained from being educated in these classes will help somewhat to succeed. However, after 2,000 cut backs to school programs were made province wide, and although it appear to be justified, this caused more harm than good. For instance, the French Immersion program was offered in three secondary schools in Coquitlam that provided students the opportunity to gain a strong understanding of the French language. By 2003, Dr. Charles Best Secondary School was the only remaining Coquitlam school that offered French Immersion. Language programs were not the only programs that suffered. These cuts affected Arts Programs  as well. As these important cultural and arts programs are being downsized and eliminated, more sciences and sociology classes are replacing them. Yet creative arts are one of the central influences in intuitive thinking and creation. Science and English skills alone are insufficient to assist prospering students to propel themselves in to future endeavors. Many learnings of school, when applied to real life situations, could be enhanced if combined with more artistic and creative thinking.

In my opinion, we should be welcoming programs that allow students starting in high school to have the ability to combine functional applications in the course materials with a balance of creative applications. As well, encourage students who wish to major in arts, the opportunities and programs to do so. The focus of high school programs should be a balanced mix of required core education and creative programs.  Programs that are typcially offered at post secondary levels should not be offered at high school levels, which what is starting to occur now with the push for increased sciences and maths. High school should only provide education that formulates a solid base of knowledge and life skills. Whether it be arts, math, science, or languages, none should be higher ranked than the others.

///////////////////////////// Inspired By Ken Robinson

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html

Please pay credit to his wonderful findings.