Re: Physics for Ninth Graders?

[Tim O'Donnell <odonnt@CELINA.K12.OH.US>]

> I don't believe there will be any substantial reform of the
> primary/elementary educational system until we get rid of
> two 19th century impedimenta: the self-contained classroom,
> and age-gradedness. I wish a Nobel laureate or famous
> personality would get on *that* bandwagon.

Well maybe we are slowly changing.  In my district the
self-contained classroom is slowly vanishing.  This year
the 3rd grade teachers are switching out students in
different subject areas and there is talk of the 2nd grade
teachers doing it next year.  The age gradedness is still a
problem, but that may be more a parental problem (Most
parents wouldn't want their 10 year old in a first grade
reading class with a bunch of 6 year olds - and
unfortunately in the public schools, parents control the
purse strings.)