I'm posting this article from the Army Times because I think an important question is... why? I've always believed that the main reason our kids are so far behind other countries has less to do with our schools, and more to do with our culture.
Why do kids in private schools or public schools in wealthy districts do better? Because their parents are well to do, and much more likely to have a higher education themselves and have a stable home life. This isn't to say rich kids never get in trouble or wealthy parents are never irresponsible. We're talking about averages here.
With all of this being said, I fully admit that my opinion isn't based on scientific study. It's simply my impression from anecdotal experience and it makes sense to me.
I'm married and I have an eight year old step daughter. We have always lived off base so she's never gone to a DoD school, so unfortunately I have no experience with them.
So I would like to some opinions about why DoD schools do well. I would especially love to hear from members who have experience with DoD schools, or education in general.
http://www.armytimes.com/...
DoDEA students score above average in tests
By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Feb 3, 2011 15:37:33 EST
Children in Defense Department schools scored above the national average in the recently released results of the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress Science Assessment.
The test was administered to all fourth- and eighth-grade students in the Department of Defense Education Activity from January to early March 2009.
DoDEA eighth-graders’ score of 162 tied with Montana and North Dakota for the highest among the states and jurisdictions that participated, according to a DoDEA announcement. The national average was 149.
DoDEA’s fourth-graders scored 159, ranking behind seven other states.
(snip)
DoDEA’s African-American, Hispanic and white students scored higher than their national counterparts in science, according to DoDEA. In both grades, African-American and Hispanic groups were either in first place or tied for first place among their national peers.