<p>Our D is a high school sophomore in Texas. She was homeschooled through 8th grade so we had no idea what to expect academically when she decided to enroll in public high school. In a nutshell, expectations for students are very low. In her school, only 45% of the kids that graduate go on to a 4-year institution. Many attend a local CC and may or may not attain an Associates Degree. The dropout rate in this part of Texas is about 30%. </p>
<p>Why can't Texas students do math & science (& other subjects)? Because the subjects taught in public high schools are frequently "dumbed down" and boring. Even AP classes aren't as challenging as they should be because students who participate in extracurriculars (read: sports) are routinely encouraged to enroll in AP classes because an F in an AP class doesn't prevent UIL participation. That really screws things up for the stronger students! Sitting in an AP class, surrounded by unmotivated students, isn't a great way to prepare for an academically rigorous university.</p>
<p>Despite what the Texas legislature may claim, the only way to improve education in Texas is to actually allow students to become well-educated. Testing doesn't do that. Dumbing classes down doesn't do that. Until we value education for its own sake, students from Texas are doomed.</p>