[modeleng] Re: ME Classes

Charles, your memory is working fine.
We used to have the 11+, which was a series of basic exams at age 11 to 12, 
the results of which decided whether one would go to a Grammer school (for 
those who did best in exam-based subjects), a Secondary Modern school (for 
those who were more practically oriented), or a Technical College (for 
anyone shwing particual technical ability).
The latter provided excellent technical training, with well equipped 
workshops etc, and must have been the source of many of our best engineers.
There was also a mechanism for changing to a more appropriate school later, 
if that was felt beneficial.

However, "such streaming is elitist, and isnt fair on the majority". "In 
addition, the stress of taking an exam is harmful on the poor little kids".

(Please note the " ").

Hence, the system was changed so that (in theory) everyone has an identical 
education.
You dont need me, or anyone else, to comment on that idea.

BTW, "Public schools", here are the private, and very expensive, ones, 
whereas the schools that are open to the public, arent Public Schools.
...and if that didnt confuse you, it should have done. lol

Alan


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Charles & Dorothy Brumbelow" <cbrumbelow@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <modeleng@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, April 16, 2006 12:25 PM
Subject: [modeleng] Re: ME Classes


If memory serves, the British public schools once had a dividing point,
based on tests or grades or both, which sent some children toward a
"practical" education track and others toward a "college" track.  Is my
memory correct, and if so, is this still the case?  From prior postings to
the thread I think not.

In the states we now have as federal law a scheme labeled "No Child Left
Behind".  Since reality says that, whatever the area of competence might be,
half the children are below average, a synonym for the law's name is "No
Child Gets Ahead".  And unfortunately, the only education track being
supported is the college track...

As I think about it, for some reason the "No Child Gets Ahead" rules don't
seem to be applied to the "money sports" such as USA football, basketball,
and baseball...and probably not the others either.  Wonder why?  This is a
sore point with me from the education standpoint, as athletics is one place
where I certainly was/am below average.  If it is reasonable to maintain an
academic pace such that there is "No Child Left Behind" why isn't such a
strategy equally appropriate in athletics?

Charles

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