Theory Why Schools aren't as Good as They Were

I have to agree with JE. Schools are better today than they were. So many students received a second or third rate education in the not so distant past. In the late 70's, I was caught up in the desegregation of the public schools and bussed across town. Other bussed students whose former schools were closed were obviously behind due to educational neglect.

Before No Pass, No Play, good athletes at my HS could disregard academics and ride their athletic talents from grade to grade. Not so, today - at least not in my kids schools. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was another piece of legislation that brought kids into the mainstream.

On top of that, the content of today's 5th grade Math, English and Science classes are about the equivalent of 7th grade classes 30 years ago. Additionally, as early as Jr. High kids can take classes such as Genetics, Intro to Flight (Aeronautics), Forensic Science, Integrated Chemistry & Physics, etc. Those classes were not available in my Jr. High.

As for the proposition that limited career choices created better teachers, I disagree. Sure, there were some female teachers back then who, if born 30/40/50 years later, would have been doctors, lawyers, business owners and top executives, but I don't think their limited career options produced better teachers. I think an argument could be made that the lack of choices contributed to a greater number of female teachers than were well suited for that particular profession.