Peter E. Pflaum - Golden Globe -

The Synergy Network

Wiredbrain documents// pflaump@wiredbrain.com

TO: Distribution List

RE: Forest and the trees:

If we spend about $7,000 per Average Daily Attendance that is

$196,000 per 28 student classroom. In 1960 85% of operating

expenses when to class room activities. Now less than 50% more

like 40% or $78,000 for teacher salary, heat, maintenance

materials, supplies, etc, ($2800.00 per pupil). Where is the

other $117,600 going. Non-public schools spend about the same per

student in the classroom ($2,800 but almost nothing more).

One answer is the AWDA (American with Disabilities act) and other

programs for "special" students. Tee-mothers, emotional

disturbed, learning disabled, handicapped etc. Rather than

mainstream these student the growth industry is special programs

- drop out prevention, and kids with special needs.

If we had small schools (less than 50) stable and a student

Teacher ratio of under 12 then almost all these problems could be

handled in the regular setting. In the special setting the

students get very little education.

The behavioral modification

techniques popular today stress short term behaviors monitored up

to every half hour. Giving points for 20 minutes good-behavior

takes all the time.

Report by the US Dept of Justice, Juvenile Justice and

Delinquency Prevention programs suggest that failed education is

a cause of crime and social problem. Kids that can't read get

into trouble by the 5'th grade because of their inability to

understand the material.

The whole language system does't work

for many children, they need phonics and grammer taught by direct

instruction.

The middle-school concept makes the problem worse.

Multi-aged and multi-year class room avoid the problem of

retention (holding student back).

They are a more natural and

workable system.

The fixed entry data and pass date is a terrible

problem. Let students enter school on their birthday and pass to

the next group when they are ready.

Peter E. Pflaum Ph.D.

225 Robinson Road New Smyrna Beach

FL 32169- (904) 428-1355

Pflaump@wiredbrain.com

Pflaump@wiredbrain.com