Should the schools do away with PE (Physical Ed) and just build more classrooms so schools won't be crowded?
96665
I think they should do away with PE but not just use the money for classrooms. they could get some better lunches and school supplies. Besides, for people who are non-athletic PE is living HELL. If they want people to get exercise they should let us outside more.
684960
no!  keep them in school longer.
960043
yes because this will save a lot of time for school to teach the children at the same range. But to do that will also "kill" a lot of children to grow better. So i think the best way for children is education at home to cater more for the child's talent and ability.
274575
I would reduce the student/teacher ratio (doubling the number of teachers). Teaching effectiveness is directly related to individual time with each student (that's why Sylvan is so successful...they don't do anything mysterious or magical...they just give that 1:1 time).\n\nI would take direct funding for sports programs and put them in classrooms. Sports programs should fundraise for themselves, just like fine arts and other extracurricular programs have to. That money could pay for salaries, a textbook in every subject for every child, additional support/diverse curriculum, supplies, etc.\n\nIdentify poor teacher prep programs that are cruising on old certifications and shut them down. If the professional training is bad, then the teacher is very ineffective. A teacher is 50% motivation, 40% professional training, and 10% Prozac.
972902
Yes, but it would have to be a small school
249015
Here is some of the thinking at the website I've attached. \n\n"The “more is better” approach is common to government projects.  The logic is that because education is good in principle, and schooling is the way to create education, more schooling will necessarily create more education. Thus it follows in current logic that, in light of the evidence that education is not consistently occurring, more schooling should succeed where less has failed."\n\nThere are valid arguments on both sides.  Countries such as Japan and China place much more value on structured education than we do in the western world.\n\nPersonally, I don't think there is one correct answer to the question.  For students who don't have a positive and stimulating home environment, a longer school day and a longer school year may be a very good option if it is done in a constructive manner.  However, what about the students who are exposed to positive learning experiences outside of school?  Do they need a longer school day?\n\nNo simple answers.
718491
Are you trying to keep cellphones in school?  If so, Emergency situations.....too many emergencies these days.  You have kids bringing weapons to school. Also, what if a fight breaks out and no teachers are around?  This is tough, this is the only thing I can think of.
844676
We just did a survey with our middle school students and found that 40% were overweight , 20% obese and the others were under weight or at the ideal weight.\nThe way our society is heading as far as weight is concerned,kids now days will not live as long as expected.\nWe notice that alot of kids are very inactive posssible due to video games and computers.\nLast year we asked our gym class of over 100 students,who went home and did some type of physical activity,wheather it was jogging, riding their bikes or some type of sport and only 10 students raised their hands.We were very surprised !\nChildren with diabetes is on the rise partly due to inactive kids.\nSince last year,during gym class the students run the mile once a week and they have to do it under 20 minutes,if not they run it again the same week.
36715
Perhaps a given school, but generally there is a special school where they send all the **** ups that can't keep it together in the regular school (at least, that's the case in a large district).
874553
i dont get it if EVERYONE is getting their degree in teaching doesnt that mean that in other places will be more space availible ?
295852
i guess they all have their own downsides public schools can be crowded private schools are expensive with a certain genre of people and home schooling doesnt give you all of the social aspects you may need in life. i think it all depends on the certain child and what their specific needs are
376828
I totally agree! We have massive problems in our school district. My children are fortunate enough to have a parent who is involved with their school. PK-5 these children are taught ridiculous ways of working their Math. Most of the questions are in the same format, so they memorize the formula. But if you ask them, "What is 100 divided by 5?" they cannot give you an answer. Our schools focus on TAKS tests, and this is what is coached all year. My 10 year old says "This is a waste of my time" they are not provided with any art classes, or recess (they do have PE), they are getting burned out by 4th grade. sorry for rambling.
3801
Physical Education provides physical benefits because of the exercise involved.  In addition, students learn the importance of nutrition and fitness.  Social skills are developed through lessons that involve teamwork, cooperation, and confidence building.  Finally, the economy can improve because of the added health benefits of an active community.  Without activity, individuals will become obese, which results in heart disease and diabetes, as well as many other obesity-related conditions.  This takes a toll on healthcare.  With a healthy community, millions of dollars will be saved.
36729
Sadly, I think that in all urban areas, they should do this. But, this just dosen't happen in cities, it's starting to happen in suburbia as well. I think that it is up to the school itself. If you know you're in an area where there is a rapid growth of gangs or gang-like activities, then it should be a no brainer. As for suburban area schools, I think that a medal detector may be a little too much but that they should have at least a couple of guards on hand. Just in case. In five years, I predict that a fourth of America's schools won't have medal detectors of any kind. Because that's how bad it is going to get. Sad.
65940
I've been a teacher for 11 years.  Generally, smaller has been better for everyone.\n\nHowever, let me throw this in.  For me, behavior has been more important than class size.  I would rather have a class of 40 well behaved students than a class of 15 poorly behaved students any day.\n\nNow days, it's so easy for so many students to get away with so much while at school.  It's really too bad that so much $$$$ is spent on behavior/discipline problems at school.  This is robbing well behaved students.  It's robbing the USA in the long run.
388676
I do not have a problem with students walking out of class in protest as long as what they are protesting is something important to them.  When I was in high school I participated in two protests and both of them actually made a difference.  No one got suspended either time, and the principal of my school compromised with all the students until everyone agreed mutually.  I however was from a smaller town of about 7500 people so maybe its not such a big deal in smaller schools.  But I think more and more school districts are trying to control too many things that aren't allowing our children to enjoy the school experience as much as we did growing up.  Strick dress codes, and rising security in buildings, it can be too much for some kids.  Granted in some areas and cities we need that, but I think kids need to be able to have room to wiggle to learn and grow and the schools need to allow parents to "parent" their children more rather than having teachers and principles do it for us.  I also realize that parents are getting more lazy as well, and schools are becoming more liable for our children's actions, but that is not something I want for my child.  I want to be the parent, I work hard at it, and if my child's school is doing something that myself and my child may disagree with then I have absolutely no issue with my child walking out of class to proteset what he believes is right for himself and his classmates, because I am confidant that I am raising him well enough that he can make the right choices and know where the line is and not to cross it.  I believe that if you have encouraged your child to have proper morals and values that we can trust them enough to trust their opinions and actions.  I understand that more severe actions can be taken then what I experienced but things like this allow our children to gain more life experience and that is not something that I will be against.
1048412
Small schools are better for education, get more interaction with the teachers...but it is harder with growing up!  I'd pick one in between the two, like 80-100 per class!