[Techhexium]

Originally Posted by JamesBrown

I know you posted earlier saying you disliked students that play the system to boost their GPA but trust me improving your GPA opens doors.

Originally Posted by sanddrag

Another fundamental flaw of education is that to a large degree we group all the students together at random as if they are all equals. They are not. Imagine how much further ahead we'd be if we took all the bright students and put them together, and didn't have to slow them down by placing them in classes with failing students. I think sometimes equality goes too far.

Thanks, to both of you for enlightening me on this. Students have been told that GPA and smaller classroom size are important but as I read through this thread I find the answers of why GPA and classroom sizes are important are subtle. I must admit that I'm in a similar scenario davidthefat is in.

As to how can we make students smarter, I'm certain the implementation of honors and AP classes into school serve the purpose of allocating intelligent students so they don't get alienated in regular courses. But depending on one's perspective, it's not always ideal. For example, I worked hard in my classes but I don't always achieve an A in an honors or AP course. But because I strive for perfection (I realize that I shouldn't do that anymore), I envy the people who get the best grades. I would try to circumvent the system by self-studying for an AP Exam and taking a college course through my local community college, though I'm limited to only one course.

As others have said, there is no universal approach to education but there are incentives to help establish motivation to succeed like FIRST.