Another sign why this country is doomed

[Househead]

http://www.cnn.com/2006/EDUCATION/05/02/geog.test/index.html

[Frimp]

I just saw that story on the news a few minutes ago, and was coming here to post about it. 

That is a very scary story.

[Dave Gray]

I really don't think that this matters.

Being able to find Iraq on a map is not equivalant to understanding what's going on there.  (Not that kids understand what's going on there either.)   ...but memorizing its physical geographic location seems like a poor test.

Besides, every generation thinks that we're doomed for failure becuase the next one is a bunch of dipshits.

[Phishfan]

I can agree Dave, but they should at least be able to identify states within this country. What if they wanted to drive outside their normal "world"?

[Dave Gray]

I can agree Dave, but they should at least be able to identify states within this country. What if they wanted to drive outside their normal "world"?

No doubt.  Learning geography is important and everything.  I just don't think not knowing that kind of stuff is crucial to their world yet, so it's not a priority.

Funny thing regarding me - I changed schools from 5th to 6th grade, where the curriculums were backwards.  I was never formally taught basic American history or Georgraphy.  I had to go learn both on my own later on.  My US State geography is still spotty at best, and I don't know my state capitals very well.

But, I even think back to middle school during the Gulf War.  I sure as hell couldn't find Kuwait on a map, but I knew what was going on there, and why.

[Frimp]

Besides, every generation thinks that we're doomed for failure becuase the next one is a bunch of dipshits.

This is true.

[YoFuggedaboutit]

No doubt.  Learning geography is important and everything.  I just don't think not knowing that kind of stuff is crucial to their world yet, so it's not a priority.

Funny thing regarding me - I changes schools from 5th to 6th grade, where the curriculums were backwards.  I was never formally taught basic American history or Georgraphy.  I had to go learn both on my own later on.  My US State geography is still spotty at best, and I don't know my state capitals very well.

But, I even think back to middle school during the Gulf War.  I sure as hell couldn't find Kuwait on a map, but I knew what was going on there, and why.

Here's what's messed up.  At FSU, all freshmen had to take PSC 1515 which is a college level general science course.  The professor stated that this was a COLLEGE course for COLLEGE credit and that prior knowledge was expected.  One of his examples was a geography requirement.  We were expected to know all the U.S. States and the rivers and bodies of water in the U.S.  That's tough for some people.  What I found disheartening was that FORTY PERCENT of my classmates could not locate Florida on the map. 

[YoFuggedaboutit]

Besides, every generation thinks that we're doomed for failure becuase the next one is a bunch of dipshits.

I wouldn't be that harsh, but let me ask you this.  If a kid can't add numbers, punctuate a sentence, or locate his home state on a map, then HOW THE HELL DID HE GET A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA???

[BeefStewert]

Funny thing regarding me - I changes schools from 5th to 6th grade, where the curriculums were backwards.  I was never formally taught basic American history or Georgraphy. 

I was exactly opposite.  I went to a DoD school overseas.  Since the students were from several different states, they didn't teach any state history.  Instead, we were taught U.S. history over and over again.  I think I had 4 years of U.S. histroy from K-12.

[run_to_win]

I wouldn't be that harsh, but let me ask you this.  If a kid can't add numbers, punctuate a sentence, or locate his home state on a map, then HOW THE HELL DID HE GET A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA???

He met the number one graduation requirement.  He showed up.  As long as he shows up semi-regularly the school can include him in the headcount and receive federal funding for him....and everyone is happy.

[jtex316]

My Geography skills are actually quite impressive.  I'm very good with state and country capitals

[run_to_win]

My Geography skills are actually quite impressive.  I'm very good with state and country capitals

Maybe we could open a geography section so you could have a place to shine? 

[Buddhagirl]

I've always been pretty good with geography.  My parents insisted on it.  In my opinion, a lot of this has to do with the parents.

Mine took the time to make sure I was actually learning and thriving in school and let it be known that me being a dumbass wouldn't be tolerated. 

I hated it then, but I'm thankful for it now.

[YoFuggedaboutit]

He met the number one graduation requirement.  He showed up.  As long as he shows up semi-regularly the school can include him in the headcount and receive federal funding for him....and everyone is happy.

And that's why this country is doomed.  Kids aren't learning because teachers aren't teaching.  A lot of high schools are considered "Run of the mill".  They just mark you real easy.  Four years, and out.  Then they hand out high school diplomas like they were toilet paper. 

[CF DolFan]

Maybe we could open a geography section so you could have a place to shine?