BG
You dont know WTF you are talking about. Children arent placed in classes according to their abilities in EVERY school. In fact they arent in ANY school I know. Classes are mixed up to consist of a variety of ability levels in each classroom. The teacher has to teach to the lowest level and the lower that level is the less challenged the higher performers are. It is as simple as that.
As for helicopter parents, I cant say what goes on at all schools but at my kids schools there are 2 or 3 parent volunteers assisting the teacher in each class every day until at least 3rd grade. They are helping kids read, grading papers so teachers can focus on teaching, giving spelling tests, running math centers and bringing programs that the district doesnt have the funds to provide like art, music and science programs. These parent volunteers are almost without exception college educated individuals. I say individuals because its not just Mom’s. I make it a point to volunteer in the classroom a few times a year as do many of my friends.
As for the impact of friends, the kids compete with each other, work together on projects both inside and outside of school. My son is currently programming video games with 3 of his friends from school on a daily basis. They are already doing things far beyond what I or their teachers are capable of.
My children will never disappoint me because that is not the way I raise them. My only expectation for them is to do their best and to be happy at whatever they choose. With that said, I will give them every advantage I can to help them achieve their potential.
