Re: Physics for Ninth Graders?

[Rick Tarara <rtarara@SAINTMARYS.EDU>]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Tim O'Donnell" <odonnt@CELINA.K12.OH.US>
 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.)

I think the very last 'parents control the purse strings' is a
misconception.  It is the taxpayers who control the purse strings and in
many areas this is primarily the property tax payers.  The parents of
current students make up only a small percentage of that group.  The public
schools exist for the welfare of the society, not _just_ the parents.  If
you have a 'crusade', such as the inappropriate advancement of non-achieving
students, it needs to be taken to those who REALLY pay the bills!

Rick

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Richard W. Tarara
Professor of Physics
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, IN 46556
rtarara@saintmarys.edu

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