SocraticGadfly: Stupidity on display in Florida schools

May 06, 2008

Stupidity on display in Florida schools

A Florida substitute school teacher does a magic trick, making a toothpick disappear and reappear, and gets accused of wizardry.

No wonder we’re last in science knowledge among developed nations.

First, people in other advanced nations know there is no such thing as wizardry, and generally aren’t in thrall to religious superstitions.

Second, other advanced nations probably don’t have substitute teachers coming in to babysit classes for a day via magic tricks. They pay their regular teachers better, by and large, but, at the same time, expect them to be teaching for 200 or more school days a year.

This is a hobbyhorse of mine.

Compare all the other advanced nations in the world, and what’s the biggest difference between their K-12 equivalents and ours?

On the other hand, if the substitute could make Ben Stein, intelligent design and creationism disappear, I’d hire him full-time.

No comments: