[Amelia]

I've known a number of students who have gone through this program - and quite a few more who would have if the waiting lists weren't so long - and it seems to work very well for many of them, although not for all.

It is amazing to see a child who was a thoroughly unmotivated student emerge from this program as a bright and polite young man with prospects for a future. Some of them do crave discipline.

[raybbr]

But he was also ready to change.

Gotta slip that in somewhere.

[YellowRoseofTx]

This proves that children need, and unknowingly want, structure, limits and discipline. It’s human nature, even though they rebel, that is part of their growing. They push the limits to see how far they can go, but want the limit to feel secure.

[bankcritic]

Speaking as someone who wears the uniform I can tell you that I've seen alot of young people come into the organization that I would have avoided on the streets, and after their indoctrination (I dont really like that word for the negative connotation it has (sounds like we're making robot zombies or something), but it most accuratly describes the process) they emerge as motivated people with direction. It's not for everyone and you have to be ready to change yourself.

Lot of people don't get this but if the person doesn't want to change then the program won't work. I guess its alot like AA, unless you want to stop drinking, AA isn't going to help you.

[MikefromOhio]

The wifey and I already decided that if our daughter wants to go into the military, she’ll go in as an officer...

the military is a great tool for maturing a 17 or 18 year old kid into an adult - the maturity which a lot of the kids today lack in every respect.

[yazoo]

All I remember is that 2 years in the Army was the best thing that ever happened to me.

[jwpjr]

Sadly, the program would be even more successful if it accepted kids who were in elementary school. Problem is though, that smacks so much of Nazi Germany and radical Islam. Both of whom has show how effective it is, but chose, and choose, to use it for the dark side.

Any first, second, or third grade teacher worth his or her salt can identify students who are on the road to a lifetime of problems.

My wife has been a preschool director for over 30 years, 25 in the same program. She can tell you after the parents and prospective student(s) take ‘the tour’ if they stand any chance of making it in the real world of preschool. It's really sad when we've come to the point that preschool is a part of the ‘real world.’

[DEPcom]

This is nothing new.

I was a high school drop out for a year because school was boring in Fort Lauderdale Florida where you take skills test to move to the next grade. Back in the early 80s those skills exams where the same test year to year starting at eight grade. Teachers would often give the same lessons from grade to grade, how to pass the exam.

One day I decided I wanted to go into the Army Reserves, and discover I needed to complete high school or get a GED. The recruiter convinced me into finishing high school, and signing up for the split option program, where I attended basic training between my junior and senior year.

Basic Training gave me the discipline to complete high school and a 4 year college degree. I am also retired after 22 years of Active duty Service in the Army then the Air Force.

Service is a great place if you lack the focus and discipline to achieve goals.

[Amelia]

Public Education Ping

This list is for intelligent discussion of articles and issues related to public education (including charter schools) from the preschool to university level. Items more appropriately placed on the “Naughty Teacher” list, “Another reason to Homeschool” list, or of a general public-school-bashing nature will not be pinged. If you would like to be on or off this list, please freepmail Amelia, Gabz, Shag377, or SoftballMominVa

[metmom]

It sounds like it’s the perfect thing for a kid who is not really messed up but lacks direction and purpose in life.

I’m guessing that the authority figure that these young men crave and lack with no father around, is what straightens them out.