Art, Music, Physical Education: Is Off Campus a Good Place to Learn?
What would happen if we allowed kids to "school" in our communities?
One has to wonder if we might be limiting our kids by keeping them trapped on school properties for 6-8 hours a day for 12 or 13 years. Granted there are some subjects that are best taught in traditional classroom and laboratory settings, like math, science, and language arts. However, there are other subjects that can be best learned in less structured environments.
Rather than keeping kids trapped at school for these subjects, what would happen if we allowed them to venture into the community for art, music, and sports? This off campus option would not only provide kids with some flexibility to explore things they find interesting, but would also reduce what schools have to teach (reduce costs).
After all, I don’t know any great artists, great soccer players, or great concert pianists who perfected their trade at a public school. Maybe it’s time to find a mentor in Art Alley, a dance group at Aberdeen Parks and Recreation, the Sioux Falls Mayor’s Office, or the Dakota Alliance Soccer Club. Some programs are free. Some require a small fee and others are more expensive. Almost all of them provide scholarships for kids who have an interest or a passion for the activity.
So maybe it is time to stop limiting our kids and allow them to embrace the world. At the same time we would reduce the amount our schools have to do and what it costs to educate each child.
South Dakota Voices Response: Don, thank you for joining us.
Email from DD: "Excellent idea!!! "
We had the most educated children in the world before the insane DOE created by the failed President Carter made it up to appease the teachers unions. They were going to pull their support during the 1980 election if he did not. Since then our schools have spiraled down into a morass of indoctrination and near uselessness. No more new ideas, time to go back to what works. The system that won two world wars, freed Korea, overcame the great depression, put man on the moon, and created the micro chip. Lets get back to what works. First re-open the shop classes. They were always full and we have a need for mechanics, plumber, electricians, HVAC, welders and machinist. Second give a lot less emphasis on art and sports. The amount of money spent on them for the turn out make them just a waste. Better yet since there is little to no return for amount spent on sports and art, just cancel them like the useful shop classes were cancelled in the 1980's.