From what I’ve seen, it’s a vast wasteland out there in public education. I know every generation since the dawn of time has said that about the following generations, but it’s usually true.

The public schools are teaching to the lowest common denominator in an attempt to deflect lawsuits or negative press, because every child these days has to feel special and empowered. Consequently, the kids at the top lose out by having to go purposefully slow. Boredom breeds behavior problems, and there we are.

When my daughter was going into 9th grade, we looked around, and were appalled. Our choices were Marshall ($7000/year, it’s since increased) or Central (she’d get beat up every day, and be pregnant by 16). With options like that, I actually got to the point where I was going to quit my job and homeschool her. We found an awesome charter school (Harbor City), but only just barely.

My point is, public school is guaranteed to fail the kids at the top, and at the bottom. Parents need to consider other options, and I’m not sure that’s happening.

Ryan is just as sharp. We have a Spiderman Laptop child’s game that has the alphabet and numbers on it. There are simple letter finder games, fill in the letter, and spelling games. Ryan, I swear on my grandfather’s grave, can SPELL three letter words! He knows his entire alphabet. “Find the P.” Within a second, he’s slamming the “P” button down. It’s absolutely crazy.

I remember being that geeky know-it-all kid. School was tough, but I think school was tough for everyone. I always wanted to be in the popular crowd, but I never was willing to give up my individuality and interests completely to do it. I was still playing with Transformers and Legos into my mid teens… O.K. I still play with them. :)

Let’s hope we can find a challenging and rewarding elementary school for these kids.