In the public schools that feed into my program, the biggest lacks are language structure -- the grammar and spelling issue you mentioned -- and the scientific method.
Math seems at least as well covered as when I was that age, and maybe better covered than in my day.
Science, and I include social science in this, just isn't covered. They can't figure out how to set up an experiment. They can't ask for context for an historic or scientific event. First principles are missing.
As an example, the first lesson in my technology seminar with the kids was supposed to be building a phenakistiscope. Not once was persistence of vision mentioned. No definition of technology was given in the lesson plan, although I made certain to give them one. The project itself was long and messy. The same things could have been taught using a thaumatrope which is easier to make and covering the science behind why it works.
no subject
Math seems at least as well covered as when I was that age, and maybe better covered than in my day.
Science, and I include social science in this, just isn't covered. They can't figure out how to set up an experiment. They can't ask for context for an historic or scientific event. First principles are missing.
As an example, the first lesson in my technology seminar with the kids was supposed to be building a phenakistiscope. Not once was persistence of vision mentioned. No definition of technology was given in the lesson plan, although I made certain to give them one. The project itself was long and messy. The same things could have been taught using a thaumatrope which is easier to make and covering the science behind why it works.