The Transformation of American Education

Despite the fact that good, dedicated parents, teachers and administrators across America are helping children and running schools the best that they can, American’s report card still falls short compared to other developed countries. So what is the problem? There has been a systematic change in America's schools.

Where: 1173 S 250 W #105 St. George, UT

When: Friday, August 12^th at 7:30pm

By: Cathy Dobrusky, Founder of American Heritage Academy

You're invited to a presentation and discussion by Cathy Dobrusky on the transformation American education has undergone, and what we can do to set it aright.

In the U.S. in 2003 15 year olds ranked 24^th of 38 [developed countries] in mathematics, 19th of 38 in science, 12th of 38 in reading, and 26th of 38 in problem solving. In the 2006 assessment, the U.S. ranked 35th out of 57 in mathematics and 29th out of 57 in science. U.S. scores were behind those of most other developed nations.

- OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment

Our educational system is lacking in academics, morals and ethics. The answer does not lie in spending more money.

Increased levels of spending on public education have not made the schools better. In 1999 William J. Bennett, former U.S. Secretary of Education cited these statistics:

• Between 1960 and 1995, U.S. public school spending per student, adjusted for inflation, increased by 212%.

• In 1994, less than half of all U.S. public school employees were teachers.

• Out of 21 industrialized countries, U.S. 12th graders ranked 19th in math, 16th in science, and last in advanced physics.

The United States is tied for first place with Switzerland when it comes to annual spending per student on its public schools, with each of those two countries spending more than $11,000 (in U.S. currency).

-2005 report from the OECD

More than $500 billion is spent each year on primary and secondary education. - US Census. 2011

In 2001, students between the ages of 12 and 18 were the victims of 2 million crimes in US schools. 62% of the crimes were thefts.

-National Center for Education Statistics

In 2001, 47% of American high school students drank alcohol at least once; 5% drank on school territory. 24% of high school students smoked marijuana, 5% right at school. 29% of students who smoke marijuana obtain the drug at school.

- Washington Profile October 1, 2009

About Cathy Dobrusky: Her passion for education began when she started homeschooling her four children in 1993. In 1997 Cathy Dobrusky had the privilege of founding and directing American Heritage Academy (AHA) in Las Vegas, NV. AHA is a K-8th faith based private school that was born out of multiple request from parents looking for an alternative to public education. Over a ten year period of time AHA grew into a private school which served PreK-8th grade students with an enrollment of 275 students. The Academy served some special-needs students, but the largest enrollment is accelerated students. During this time she also wrote the ‘Live and Learn' section for Desert Saints Magazine from 2002 -2004, spoke at the National Education Convention and served as a resource for home schoolers and educators in the community. AHA gave her the opportunity to work with 27 full and part-time teachers. Cathy Dobrusky is the co-founder and director of Foundations. She is a people person and thoroughly enjoyed working with the students, parents and staff, and looks forward to doing the same at Foundations.