In the previous post I commented on my general mistrust of the citizenry to forego lifestyle sacrifices and perhaps re-think policies of consumer excess.
Lo and behold, a few minutes after posting, I pick up a New Era and read about changes in kindergarten curricula which includes this:
“…kindergartners are evaluated with 10-to 20-0minute exercises that are not pencil-and-paper tests. The child answers questions that allow the educator to determine if they recognize letters, brands (SUCH AS KNOWING THAT THE GOLDEN ARCHES MEANS McDONALD’S) and what is the front of a book…” (The all-caps format is mine, by the way–just couldn’t resist.)
Where are we, Crazytown? There are all kinds of associations you could make to see if kids know how to attach symbols to what they represent. Country flags, for instance. Geologic maps. Maybe sign language. Whatever. But noooo…we’re making sure our kindergartners know exactly what those golden arches mean. Yep, right up there with learning how to read a book.
Well, at least we have our priorities straight. I feel so much better now.
