#destandardize

I need some feedback on an idea I’m entertaining. I would like to create a kind of public school system by the people for the people, to at least supplement if not replace the current system. I think it could be hosted by local businesses (restaurants, cafes, bookstores, etc.), and organized online. Volunteers could teach a subject with creative freedom, and classes would be open to anyone who wants to learn, and anyone who wants to teach, identified by individually identified skill level instead of age (beginner to expert). Teachers could accept donations and work as much or as little as they please, local businesses would gain more visibility in their communities, and the public would have the opportunity to learn a much wider variety of subjects than the school board could ever afford to teach.  

I believe most people who attended a public school in America would agree that the blanket approach to education is inefficient.  I know there are a lot of important gaps in my own education, and I remember a lot of great teachers frustrated by having to teach pointless standardized tests to bored students who, understandably, never seemed to see the point. I can’t even imagine what my life would be like had I been free to choose my own teachers and subjects.  The thought makes me feel cheated.  I think we should organize to create a truly free market of education, making teachers accountable only to their students, and education freely available to people of every age and financial situation.  

Parents would be free, and encouraged, to attend classes with their children.  If there were a disagreement they could negotiate directly with the teacher, and if no solution could be reached they would be free to withdraw from the class.   

I think it’s time to put students and teachers back in charge of education.  I think it’s time to shift our thinking from valuing degrees to valuing real skills and following our own interests.  

Keeper of the Flame, by Catherine ChasePaperback: 296 pagesPublisher: Creative Juices publication (July 11, 2006) Language: EnglishISBN: 0977937801Reviewed by: Michelle L Devon Accentuate ServicesBook Draecus DescriptionThe mystic land, a land closed to all other generations. In Mikaelian, takes into account only in tales passed down through the centuries. With the war over land Mikaelian has ended, the human female Jarnell wishes of his family quarrels of marriage to unite two stately homes and strengthen family farms. Fleeing, she searches for her elf friend, Dekion, and gains a traveling companion in the form of a warrior striking half orscha, Sahri-Tah. Meet after the devastating wars between the nations of the earth, the three of them the battle against his own distrust of their careers to find Dekion father, who was lost during the war. After his only clue, which is given by a madman through the streets of Sel Lorst are in the lost land, magic Draecus where a war between humans and orscha has only just begun. As expected, peers are caught up in war time passing through the Draecus peaceful. They must fight to stay alive long enough for the portals to reopen and allow them passage back to their own land. At the same time, Jarnell, a follower of the goddess of passion, fighting the desire to remain in the arms of Daedic, the only man to bring to life each time the flames of passion in your body, mind and soul.ReviewMs. Chase has written a novel that weaves together several intricate stories skillfully into a coherent story, which extends over several years, while independent, leaving the reader begging to know more.With characters of fantasy, but credible, race as elves, orscha, and a race of people known as the Aishtoullar, which are similar to the characters we've seen in other fantasy novels, but with a new twist that is unlike anything that a reader can find in any novel Fantasy others - the characters of Keeper of the Flame will not fail to delight and keep you prepared in history. The story begins with the birth of Jarnell, our unlikely hero, who came to this world and in their season in a rather chaotic, to fulfill a destiny, unknown to her, her family or his companions - a destination known only to Goddess he serves, but who has never committed itself and of the sword altogether - a destination that Jarnell not very sure you can meet. From there, we are introduced to a variety of characters, all linked to Jarnell somehow, and watch their adventures on his journey in his quest, a quest that, if not, ultimately, means destruction of two worlds. In this search, you are taken through a series of events that show us the war and destruction, but also love and friendship and blood ties, family, not to mention a great romance thrown in the middle all the chaos of others. It is a good balance, and a believable plot with which any reader can relate. Keeper of the Flame is a story of passion ... passion for life, passion for love, the passion to follow the fate of one, despite all obstacles. The writing style of this book is almost poetic in nature, but it is very easy to read. The images are beautiful, the land drawn as images created through words. The editing is superb. The format of the book is clean, attractive and clean. The union is strong, with a soft cover full color. The cover is not laminated, so you do not have to worry about separation during transport, but high brightness and attractive.I recommend this novel and look forward to more of the creations of Mrs. Chase.