Yep, We Are Failing in Schools....And More " Stuff"

 America turns 250 tomorrow. Somehow, it is not as big a deal as it was in 1976 during the bicentennial. 

And there are a number of people in this country who do not have a damn clue what the 4th of July even represents, or what happened on that day. 

These numbers are from a Cato Institute poll.  

61% of Gen Z. In the ages 18-29 do not have a clue what the date July 4th represents. 

A number thought it was the first presidential election. Others, when the Pilgrims arrived on Plymouth Rock, still others, 30% did not have a clue. ( If you go to England, avoid the City of Plymouth. The Royal Navy has a base there and there is a university in the town, but as far as tourist things to see or even historical things to see, well, nothing. The site where the Pilgrims departed, has a small monument, with British and American flags. The town itself is pretty run down. Same with Torquay, about 12 miles from Plymouth, which is nicknamed the " English Rivera" it reminds you of a " Bad Galveston." And yes, there are palm trees in that part of England, yeah, surprised me too....Cornwall, is not much better. I'll save you the trouble, do not go south of Somerset or Dorset......Stay in the Cotswold's if you travel to that part of England. When you think Somerset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, think the TV show Midsomer Murders.  )

Age 30 to 44 is not much better. Only 46% of Americans in that age range know it is Independence Day.  

I wonder if they considered asking from what nation we declared our independence? 

It boils down to those damn state exams. Follow the money. We are teaching everything but what the kids actually need to know.  

-I know Buna Schools has some openings, but I took a look a Region V area districts and was surprised at the number of openings, for teachers, there still are in our area, including a number of history/social studies positions.  Heck even one was looking for a government teacher. ( No, Kerry ain't coming out of retirement, when I say, " I could not do it today" I mean it.)

Again, schools have gotten to the point it is hard to recruit people to do the job, and with the economic situation, well, it may not hit the oil patch like other parts of the country. 

And people just do not move to this area, even for work, oh, they might live here during construction or during a project, but rather than stay and continue working here, most get the hell outta here....

Only people like me, whose ancestors has been in Orange County since the 1830s, or the 1880s, depending on which family tree you study, people just do not move here in the 2020s. ( I need to sit down and write a "History of Orange County" one day.) 

- There has been at least 2 of my former students who have made the arrest report in recent days. 

Yes, it upsets me. But teach thousands of kids and it is to be expected. People make mis-steps. Yes, they get my prayers, especially them. 

- Have a good 4th folks. I think we are having mystery meat ( hot dogs) and perhaps some links tomorrow for the holiday here at the Compound. Nothing fancy.  

Unless something dramatic occurs, I will taking a few days off from blogging.....