Reforming Education Reform

     I watched the webinar on Reforming Education Reform.  I didn't know we would ever have to write another blog, so I was a little taken aback.  However, this does allow me the opportunity to talk about one particular piece of education reform that really bothers me:  privatization of education. Many of my friends from back home in Kalamazoo went to a private Catholic school.  They always talked about how public education was lacking, deficient, and full of bad teachers and terrible students.  They claimed that public schools lacked a real education and that they came out on the whole much smarter than anyone in public schools.
     I would like to say to anyone who may be reading this and holds the same views, which I doubt in this program, that you are wrong.  I went to a public high school and was afforded many opportunities. We had a good handfull of AP classes, much better arts programs than the private schools in my area, and we had the opportunity to enroll in college courses (any college or university of our choosing) for free paid for by the state.  I did well enough in my high school that I was admitted to the University of Michigan on a full ride scholarship.  I was recognized in the local newspapers for my achievements.  None of the friends I had who bashed public schools did well enough to get into the U of M.
     In private education, there are not nearly as many rules, guidelines, or standards that they have to follow.  Private schools are able to choose whether or no they teach religious views about science (specifically evolution).  I don't think that children should be taught creationism in schools.  Of course this is a view coming from a rational thinking atheist.  A lot of private schools also teach abstinence, which we had all better know is terrible.
     In conclusion, if our country ever switches to private education, which is something Mitt Romney wants (VOTE OBAMA!!) I will be the most unhappy camper....
     I think the concept of a webinar is really cool and great way to reach a lot of people who otherwise may not be able to attend such conferences.