Covering the business of education and training

Divide and conquer is the theme of the Gates' strategy for improving education in the US.

Bill & Melinda theorize (seems that word always appears when talking about education) - why not pragmatize?

Anyway, the theory is that smaller schools made for more intimate involvement between teachers, students and staff = better outcome.

It seems that some 20-30% of US teens drop out of high school...depending on where you are in the country. Some areas are more than half.

Interesting enough, one of the biggest challenges the Gates have encountered is getting the school districts to cooperate - that is getting the school districts to break up big schools.

The results to date are mixed. Students in schools backed by the Gates do better in English and reading but no so in math.

The Gates say they have learned four lessons -

1. Small is not the only answer - small is good, but better-qualified teachers, a tougher curriculum and higher standards seem to be even more important.

2. Do overs are better - It is much easier to recruit and grow a new faculty and student body than to try and rework an established one.

3. Get out the axe - it is best to just shut down some places - some 5% of American high schools may fall into this category. They are simply beyond repair.

4. Accomodate - not all students learn, acheive the same. The Gates think that as many as one fifth of high school students can't handle the conventional way classes are run.

Sounds like America to me. In Asia, the norm is to try to blend in. In America, if they come, build it for them.

What do you think?