Eighth Grade Education in 1895

I remember my Grandfather doing the crossword puzzle every morning while he had his coffee and breakfast. I would look at the completed puzzle with true amazement. My Grandfather had to be the smartest person on earth I thought, no wonder Grandma married this guy.

I was partially amazed at the small amount of time it took him to complete the puzzle, while at the same time conversing with my Grandmother, and keeping a close watch on me so I wouldn't slip food to the dog under the table. I was totally amazed because I knew he had only completed the 7th or 8th grade in school. He was born in 1898, and we were all told that children had to leave school early, back then, to help on the farm, or at the very least go to work to help out the family finances. It was so sad. Or was it?

I saw in a post today the 8th Grade test given to students in 1895 in the state of Kansas. Kansas would definitely represent that rural farm culture that would require family assistance. Click on link below to see the test:

8th Grade Final Exam. Salinas, KS 1895

My first reaction when I saw this test was, "My God! Kids in the 8th Grade today couldn't spell CROSSWORD PUZZLE let alone do one!" What I thought was sad, the fact that my Grandfather and his buddies had to leave school early, was not sad at all. What is sad is the state of our schools today. They graduate high school students today who for all practical purposes can't read or write. I wonder why?

CLASS SIZE: In 1895 all eight grades were in the same room.

SALARY: Not paid enough? If you think that a teacher who can't teach children will miraculously acquire that ability if given more money you are stupid, or a product of the Public School system 1965- present.

DISCIPLINE: In 1895 you never "talked back," or were allowed to "strike" your teacher. You were taught how to act at home by your parent(s), then taught how to act away from home , in public, by your teacher. Inversely, you can tell how a child was brought up at home by how he acts in public.

SUPPLIES & BOOKS: In 1895 most students did not have their own books, most were shared with other students. The ballpoint pen wasn't invented until 1945.

Excuses, excuses. We are into our second generation of lost children. Does it seem that we are figuring out the problem today? NO, not at all. What we must do is reject the participation of liberal/socialist Teacher Unions, and liberal/socialist Administrators from having anything to do with educating American children. Their cock-eyed scheme of education has been a total and complete failure. There is a cyber-puter term that describes the liberal education agenda as we have it today: [Garbage in---Garbage out].

If you, the reader, attended public school in the 70's, 80's, and 90's, I have a question for you. Did you do the crossword in the paper this morning while having breakfast? Do you want your children too?

It's time to wise up!