Here are links to MUCH more information on general issues and topics about 21st century life and education :
There are a few books on this subject that are awesome!
First to Worst documentary on California schools part 1
Other parts can be found on YouTube
Some informative video clips about how American schools/kids must be able to compete in the global market:
Disclaimer Notice Get Real! Learning 2010
4 Parents with Teens
What do we need to know to help our kids?
Everyone's life takes its own path. Think back to when you were a teenager...then look at your life now. Do you remember planning it? Or did you begin your life journey by stepping out into the world, walking ahead to find yourself in the life you have now? Have any regrets? Things you might have changed if you knew then what you know now? My life has taken many surprising turns. As a teen I wrote in a journal that I'd never marry or have kids, because it looked like a horrible existence to me. I wanted to be a neurosurgeon, so I could be rich, eventhough I hated math and science! Well, the reality is I'm a high school teacher, who not only married, but had the most wonderful marriage I could imagine to my best friend. We planned on one child, ended up having twins first!, then another because we adored being parents. My life looked nothing like I thought it would but it felt like a cozy coat designed just for me. Then my husband passed away suddenly and I was left with 3 pre-teens, half our income, no partner and another 40 or so years ahead of me! I had to build a new life.Life takes detours. It wasn't until my kids approached their teens, that I really realized I needed to be more of a life coach and help them prepare to build the REAL life they'd live. When they were little, just keeping them out of danger, fed and teaching them the basics of life seems so easy compared to that responsibility. It seems that life used to be simpler. If I hadn't been a high school teacher who has spent the last 15 years with thousands of teens, I'd feel pretty overwhelmed. As busy as we all are working to keep our homes and budgets afloat, how are we supposed to gather up the information needed to help them create the best life they can? Over 12 years ago I started gathering information to help my own students, then for my own kids, and recently decided I have to share all that...To offer other parents EASY quick access to current information on the realities of 21st century life where our children will become adults.