Originally posted 2002/-10/05:

I want to keep asking a question: where are we going with our current state of teaching?

I don't want to engage in a battle of statistics. They only tell a fraction of the story, and when it comes to issues of how things are perceived by the various constituencies within a school environment, they may only tell things people want heard.

My experience is at two levels -- one is within a private and a parochial school, teaching ages 5 - 14. The other is at the college level in both a private university and a state university. I've not taught at the high school level, and perhaps that will be something that others can add to this discussion.

I have a background in the arts. Teaching the arts, particularly music, is mostly coaching, and dealing with a complex of problems all at once alongside the student. To me, it is an ideal framework in which to discuss educational reforms.

I teach computers now. Technology education has not yet embraced a lot of the wisdom available to it but, at least, it is in the forefront of where educational reforms can lead. Technology education right now is a vehicle for change, but it is not the only place that such change can take place.