We Is More Smarter Today

H/T AD

I have heard it said we stand on the shoulders of the giants that went before us and I have disagreed. We sit in the laps of the giants that went before us. Our education is falling, and failing, drastically. Case in point, an eighth grade final examination in 1895.

Take a look for yourself to see the entire test, but here’s a snippet:

Arithmetic (Time, 1.25 hours)

1. Name and define the Fundamental Rules of Arithmetic.
2. A wagon box is 2 ft. deep, 10 feet long, and 3 ft. wide. How many bushels of wheat will it hold?
3. If a load of wheat weighs 3942 lbs., what is it worth at 50cts/bushel, deducting 1050 lbs. for tare?
4. District No 33 has a valuation of $35,000. What is the necessary levy to carry on a school seven months at $50 per month, and have $104 for incidentals?
5. Find the cost of 6720 lbs. coal at $6.00 per ton.
6. Find the interest of $512.60 for 8 months and 18 days at 7 percent.
7. What is the cost of 40 boards 12 inches wide and 16 ft. long at $20 per metre?
8. Find bank discount on $300 for 90 days (no grace) at 10 percent.
9. What is the cost of a square farm at $15 per acre, t! he distance of which is 640 rods?
10. Write a Bank Check, a Promissory Note, and a R eceipt

(Emphasis mine)

Note the length of the school year while gawking at the amazing eighth grade test questions. And our current Education Secretary wants to make year-round schooling for better education? The length of the school year is not the problem. The length of the school day is not the problem. The dumbing down of the education system is the problem.