3dee - I believe in an old school approach, because as a Country we fall behind other nations.
in all fairness - other countries do not TEST every student. we do.
i actually think we have the best universities in the world, and they are full of young american kids who went to american public (and private) schools.
not saying we are the best - and we can be better...
but to me...we do a damn good job battling illiteracy and preparing youth for the workforce.
an ipod in ear during study hall is petty.
like i said - prove to me that an ipod in study hall hurts a child's academic growth - and i will eat my words.
but you can not.
personally - i spent my only study hall i had in high school in the art class every day working on my oil paintings...
but if i had to sit quietly in a large room with a group of other students (and distractions) i would rather have an ipod in my ear. i would get tons of work done.