See post #9.
The example cited there is a story I have heard ad nauseam; from friends, relatives, and even some publik skrewl teachers. I am a product of the government education system. I graduated just as the NEA really started to push their liberal agenda in the curriculum (the early 1980's). I believe I received a quality education, but I have seen what has become of the pseudo-educational system in this Nation.
I will say this: I live in a semi-rural county, and I truly believe that the local elementary school would be at least adequate for our needs; but the middle and high schools are an entirely different story. You are correct: If more parents would participate in their child(ren)'s education, the skrewls wouldn't get away with the things that they do. Most parents just don't have that option. Some schools are downright hostile to parental involvement, others will LIE to your face about what goes on in the classroom. Many parents do all they can just geeting the kids on the bus in the morning.
Parent/teacher conferences just don't cut it; looking at your child's textbooks is not enough. Quizing your child daily about what he/she learned is school does not render even semi-accurate answers. I don't want my kids indoctrinated with liberal pap, homosexual propoganda, and distorted history. I don't want to have to deal with the worry that my child is being "mentally evaluated" by persons with a disguised agenda. If I have to spend 3 hours a day assisting with homework, another hour a day perusing their texts and asking "What did Teacher say today?", and several hours a week volunteering at my child's school, then I would be better off homeschooling from the start.
I am positive that I can educate my child better than a system that teaches down to the least common denominator, and spends more time on "social issues education" (homosexual tolerance, multiculturalism, radical environmentalism, etc.) than they do on reading, math, science, and history.
I want my child(ren) to have the best possible education: publik skrewls don't even come close. Like I said, if I have to expend that much effort monitoring the school, I'd rather expend the effort to give my child a better, individualized, education at home.
I saw post #9 and that poster and I happen to be friends and have had different experiences. We respect that of each other.
I would venture to say that my having no experience with NEA curricula has put a bit of bias in my thought processes - however I did grow up and attend school in New York City.
I do live in a rural county, within the top 5 poorest of the Commonwealth of Virginia and every school in this county district surpasses anything I could find in the State Capitol of Delaware.
You are correct about your assessment that many school districts do not want parental involvement, it is a major reason we live in the part of VA we do and no longer in DE - the district EXPECTS parental participation.
Please do not tell me about that which you do not know - parent/teacher conferences work if parents wish them to, looking at textbooks and using them with you child works.
My 6 year old came home one day last week and was talking to me all about what they learned about rain forests that day. I corrected her on a point that I knew was wrong and she insisted that I was wrong. I told her that she was to ask the teacher to re-explain the next day. She did. I know this because the teacher called me that night and thanked me. My daughter had misunderstood something in class and I pay enough attention to know it - and the teachers pay enough attention to know the parents are.
I don't worry about a system teaching down to the lowest common denominator, because they keep bumping my child UP.
You don't like the public school system where you are, fine. I am happy with it where I am. When or if I have a problem I will work to change it.
Do NOT judge me, and I will not judge you.