So I asked the kiddos how they might fix public education. Here are some of their responses.
- Longer school days
- Fire teachers who aren’t willing to do their jobs
- Year round school
- Pay kids to improve achievement
- Raise standards–no more Ds
- Students and parents need an attitude change
- Higher expectations
And of course there were the less logical, more absurd comments:
- Cut required classes: English isn’t “necisarry” past 8th grade.
- Get rid of History
- Shorter school days
- Put cameras in classrooms to make sure teachers are doing their jobs
I was surprised at how many of them wanted high standards, longer school days, and a longer school year. I was surprised at how many of them held themselves and their parents accountable.
And honestly, I was surprised that so few of them blamed teachers.
Maybe we should put kids in charge of education policy.
