MM> VH> In Europe, they measure literacy by the number of years of school
MM> VH> completed -- one doesn't have to be able to read in order to be classed
MM> VH> as literate.

MM>That's not a measure, its a self-justifying assumption...

Of course it is!

MM> VH> Here in the US, we have used teacher tests -- but the  teacher's union
MM> VH> bitterly opposes that and erects all sorts of obstacles.

MM>It seems that here in NZ the teacher unions are helping install
MM>the scheme...

Not here -- too many union members would fail the  tests.

MM>Aye ... both are understandings that a reasonable family passes on
MM>to its offspring,  and both are worthy of being taught throughtout
MM>the 0-12 years.   It'd take a generation and a bit to see the
MM>benefits - but the payoffs would come in every worrisome aspect of
MM>social life...

MM>Meanwhile,  our newspapers here are full of kids being killed,
MM>shot, kidnapped, abused, recruited into crime and generally
MM>treated like pets by adults who barely put up with these annoying
MM>products of their hedonisms,  and who firmly believe the State
MM>ought to teach their offspring better.  Its a wunnerful world...

There ought to be a parenting license, like a driver's license -- but
how would you enforce it?
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