From: utzoo!decvax!harpo!npoiv!npois!wbux5!wb2!houxz!ihnp4!ihuxp!tfilm Newsgroups: net.books Title: BOSNYWASH Syndrome Article-I.D.: ihuxp.377 Posted: Wed Feb 23 11:09:56 1983 Received: Thu Feb 24 05:29:00 1983 Reply-To: tfilm@ihuxp.UUCP (M. E. Lindenmeyer) RE: Educational Content of Current 'Educational' Books I just read Gary's entry to 'net.books' and saw something that makes my blood boil. The derivation of the newspaper's name 'BOSWASH TIMES' is not exactly humorous to me. It is well known that many (not all) of the texts that most of the (public) shools use for everything from math to social science are full of poor grammer, poor math, etc. In particular, I discovered that no longer do sixth graders memorize the names of the capitol cities of the states, but rather, they invent pseudo names of pseudo metropoli such as 'BOSNYWASH', 'SANLODIEGO', and I suppose, 'CHIWAUKEE'. I will leave it as an exercise for the reader to decode the above. Now, I think that such educational techniques are admirable and interesting, but, it strikes me as strange that it is no longer considered important that the students stimulate their minds through such exercises as simple rote memory as has been used successfully for so many many years. Yes, I know that in most educational systems, the old 'progressive' techniques, memorization, etc. are no longer taught or emphasized so that the students can learn sophisticated name calling, largely unusable mathematics, etc. It's in the books! I discussed this lack of really *good* content in the many educational texts with my sister, who works for Scott Forsman and was told that, yes, the texts are pretty abominable, but it is largely because three or four states' (Illinois, Indiana, California, Texas) boards of education dictate such mediocrity. As a parent who is vitally concerned with my children's education (I have three), I am really disappointed with what the public schools have to offer, and have concluded that they will not improve for a long time. It is therefore very important that I supplement their reading and educational background with superior materials available through libraries, bookstores, etc. Have others observed this? Any opinions/comments? MEL ihuxp!tfilm