Raw Story: Elon Musk plans to operate school for kids as young as 3

[Lonestarblue]

5. A true Montessori school would be good. I doubt that is what Musk has in mind.

The words “technology focus” have nothing to do with Montessori education principles. I read an article yesterday about employers’ dismay at gen Z hires who cannot write, cannot spell, and can’t essentially do anything without technology. Our schools are graduating kids who do not learn how to write in cursive or print. Young children need to learn to read, write, and do basic math before they are immersed in technology. Most of them get enough technology at home. They don’t need an immersive school program. Technology skills are important, but so are the skills of reasoning and critical thinking, the ability to assess the accuracy of content both print and online, and the ability to communicate effectively with those around one.

As someone who spent a career in education, I saw the beginning of the push in the 1980s to get computers in schools—a push made not by educators but by computer manufacturers like Apple, IBM, Wang, and Tandy. Remember Tandy’s TRS 80, which we not-so-fondly called the Trash 80? In the ensuing decades, the performance of US students has declined in math and reading on international tests. I’m not attributing the total cause to computers, but I believe too much focus on technology and not enough on basic skills, especially in elementary grades, is a significant factor.