I remember when you first started talking about this a few years back and im really proud that you have finally achieved your dream and i wish you the best of luck in your venture. i may not always agree with the views and positions taking in your videos but you are without a doubt a highly educated man and seem perfectly capable of teaching children. Congradulations
Hey, Mr. Cropper. I've followed your videos for a long time, but haven't checked them recently. Just wanted to let you know how inspiring it is that you're finally pulling this off and attracting students. Have fun with it.
Wow, this is just awesome and amazing beyond words. I couldn't be happier for you!
It's funny how fast all this happened. You've barely unpacked and you already have students! I would have thought that a tiny town would be far less likely to be able to support a private school (and far less likely to value education enough to pay out of pocket for it).
Mr. Cropper I have a question for you. I know that you're just getting started and still have a long way to go, but, are you happy? You look it, lately, in your videos. Reminds me of what one Mike Donnigan said to the architect of the Austen Heller house:
"Control yourself, Red. You're open like a book. God, it's indecent to be so happy!"
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Your half-baked reasoning that people need a special Cropper-certified "knowledge base" based in "reality" in order to function socially is completely inconsistent with virtually all scholarship done on this topic. And while it's arguable that introverted kids find it harder to succeed in many public school environments, your paranoid generalizations about public schools "indoctrinating" kids to believe that they can't spend any time alone is so ridiculous I can't even bother to laugh at it.
FUCK, FUCK, FUCK whatever the damn scholarship has to say. GOD you might as well just wear a big flashing sign that says "Second-hander." Let me paraphrase your words with an Arthur Jones quote:
"'Oh, where did you read that? Which
long haired, dope smoking, jogging, scrawny PHD published that in which respectable peer-reviewed journal?' Smirk, smirk."
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
That's right, dismiss all social science research, psychological studies, and philosophical debates done on the topic of education in the past 100 years. Anyone whose done any serious thinking on or investigation into the issue of "how children learn" should be met with the exclamation "FUCK FUCK FUCK". You mavericks standing on the fringes know what's what, so carry on with your own inbred, insulated "program" of education.
And I'm not saying we should all just defer to academic authority. If you've been following my comments made to MrCropper, in almost every one I've stressed the important of creative and critical thinking that challenges or transcends the framework/ideological spectrum/attitudes held by people of authority. That's an important element of education, and one MrCropper seems to dismiss.
What IS important it taking into consideration the serious work that's been done on the topic of learning
Really, there are lots of good arguments and much in the way of valid research out there. I don't see why you think it's okay to ignore valid positions that are empirically/rationally supported.
If I thought the positions were "valid," or "rationally supported," I wouldn't ignore them. It's impossible for any position that claims that education for young kids is "NOT about knowledge," and is instead about learning "social skills." Any idiot ought to be able to talk to a 5-year old, or really a kid at any age, and realize that this is the COMPLETE opposite of the truth. I don't care how many degrees and certifications you wrap your bullshit in.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Children will never understand themselves or the world around them, or develop a meaningful sense of confidence, or be able to communicate with others, understand others, or resolve conflicts, if they're not socialized in some kind of public school setting. What you aren't able to figure out is the fact that education at this level is NOT about knowledge, it's primarily about developing vital cognitive and social skills. Most people understand this intuitively--the parents aren't crazy, you are.
I think it's second-hander'ism, to be honest. The idea that the "loner" is somehow bad or wrong or weird. Ayn Rand loved the "loner." All geniuses I know of _are_ basically loners.
Also, you make some excellent points about the social dynamic and schools. Large student bodies can produce negative effects as well as positive. Public school cliques are often small antisocial groupings. I doubt we'll hear about violence at the Cropper Lyceum.
I think the mind body dichotomy you talked about is enforced by public schools, in both ways.
Those who don't want to get along with the other kids and be "normal" end up saying implicitly, "screw it, I just won't deal with them," and put up this barrier. Because of this, they become stuck in the mind.
But all that is created by the public school atmosphere. The idea that you are strange if you can't be friends with just anyone.
I should be reacting: "oh, no, MrCropper is going to teach things I disagree with" but instead, I'm pleased to see him realizing a dream. And who knows... maybe he'll just teach them mostly to read and write, do math and simplify algebraic equations... all of which I actually happen to agree with.
one supposes, but one teaches philosophy in all learning, implicitly when not explicitly.
I suspect MrCropper would agree with me on that.
If he doesn't squash their inquisitive nature, and his belief in play time implies he won't, then I'm sure they can decide for themselves as they grow, even if he does implicitly teach certain philosophical viewpoints.
And shut up about social retards. I am one :-( Actually I was most friendly in the private schools... I was never made fun of in a private school. While in public schools I don't wanna being around people who are bitches. And wow congrats! I thought the main issue with the parents would be the money thing... I knew it was for mine
Wow! Do you need to get some kind of accreditation, or do the kids just take a grade appropriate test to measure their progress...? Or, how does all this kind of stuff work?
"Do you need to get some kind of accreditation, or do the kids just take a grade appropriate test to measure their progress...?"
They take state-mandated end-of-year tests to insure the students are learning a certain core curriculum. The tests, by the way, are often extremely easy for home-schooled students to pass. Lisa Van Damme's students felt insulted by the simplicity of these tests.
In contrast, the California high school exit exam is mostly at a 10th grade level, yet public school students mostly whine about having to pass it. Your criticism of public education is well founded.
I remember when you first started talking about this a few years back and im really proud that you have finally achieved your dream and i wish you the best of luck in your venture. i may not always agree with the views and positions taking in your videos but you are without a doubt a highly educated man and seem perfectly capable of teaching children. Congradulations
supermanx127 3 years ago
Hey, Mr. Cropper. I've followed your videos for a long time, but haven't checked them recently. Just wanted to let you know how inspiring it is that you're finally pulling this off and attracting students. Have fun with it.
luridlemur 3 years ago
You always seemed like an asshole but after seeing these educational videos you do deserve respect.
Okastega 3 years ago 4
Well this all sounds great, I'm looking forward to seeing video of you as a teacher in action! Congratulations on living the dream!
42662113 3 years ago
I went to public school all my life and i was a total social retard, still am. You have no idea. . .Anyways, I wish I had been homeschooled :(
WarVideo 3 years ago 6
You can still be homeschooled - grab a book and start reading!
ForABetterTomorrow 3 years ago 2
congratulations!
chris3443 3 years ago
Congratulations sir.
gotmez 3 years ago
Wow, this is just awesome and amazing beyond words. I couldn't be happier for you!
It's funny how fast all this happened. You've barely unpacked and you already have students! I would have thought that a tiny town would be far less likely to be able to support a private school (and far less likely to value education enough to pay out of pocket for it).
nine9s 3 years ago 2
Mr. Cropper I have a question for you. I know that you're just getting started and still have a long way to go, but, are you happy? You look it, lately, in your videos. Reminds me of what one Mike Donnigan said to the architect of the Austen Heller house:
"Control yourself, Red. You're open like a book. God, it's indecent to be so happy!"
God speed my friend.
Beethovens7th 3 years ago 2
*Smiles*
eventide925 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Your half-baked reasoning that people need a special Cropper-certified "knowledge base" based in "reality" in order to function socially is completely inconsistent with virtually all scholarship done on this topic. And while it's arguable that introverted kids find it harder to succeed in many public school environments, your paranoid generalizations about public schools "indoctrinating" kids to believe that they can't spend any time alone is so ridiculous I can't even bother to laugh at it.
TransfiguredNight 3 years ago
Wow, you must have some low self-esteem.
FUCK, FUCK, FUCK whatever the damn scholarship has to say. GOD you might as well just wear a big flashing sign that says "Second-hander." Let me paraphrase your words with an Arthur Jones quote:
"'Oh, where did you read that? Which
long haired, dope smoking, jogging, scrawny PHD published that in which respectable peer-reviewed journal?' Smirk, smirk."
Beethovens7th 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
That's right, dismiss all social science research, psychological studies, and philosophical debates done on the topic of education in the past 100 years. Anyone whose done any serious thinking on or investigation into the issue of "how children learn" should be met with the exclamation "FUCK FUCK FUCK". You mavericks standing on the fringes know what's what, so carry on with your own inbred, insulated "program" of education.
TransfiguredNight 3 years ago
And I'm not saying we should all just defer to academic authority. If you've been following my comments made to MrCropper, in almost every one I've stressed the important of creative and critical thinking that challenges or transcends the framework/ideological spectrum/attitudes held by people of authority. That's an important element of education, and one MrCropper seems to dismiss.
What IS important it taking into consideration the serious work that's been done on the topic of learning
TransfiguredNight 3 years ago
PS: I am also a huge fan of Beethoven's 7th Symphony. 'Specially the first two movements. I think it's underrated.
TransfiguredNight 3 years ago
LONG HAIR?
DOPE?
JOGGING?
OMGZ. ACADEMIA HAS BEEN INFILTRATED!
Really, there are lots of good arguments and much in the way of valid research out there. I don't see why you think it's okay to ignore valid positions that are empirically/rationally supported.
NathanZimmerman 3 years ago
If I thought the positions were "valid," or "rationally supported," I wouldn't ignore them. It's impossible for any position that claims that education for young kids is "NOT about knowledge," and is instead about learning "social skills." Any idiot ought to be able to talk to a 5-year old, or really a kid at any age, and realize that this is the COMPLETE opposite of the truth. I don't care how many degrees and certifications you wrap your bullshit in.
Beethovens7th 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Children will never understand themselves or the world around them, or develop a meaningful sense of confidence, or be able to communicate with others, understand others, or resolve conflicts, if they're not socialized in some kind of public school setting. What you aren't able to figure out is the fact that education at this level is NOT about knowledge, it's primarily about developing vital cognitive and social skills. Most people understand this intuitively--the parents aren't crazy, you are.
TransfiguredNight 3 years ago
I so agree with you about being alone. This is the only time you can actually think!!
reneekatz 3 years ago 4
I think it's second-hander'ism, to be honest. The idea that the "loner" is somehow bad or wrong or weird. Ayn Rand loved the "loner." All geniuses I know of _are_ basically loners.
qtronman 3 years ago 6
They scare collectivists.
Moragauth 3 years ago 4
This is so inspiring. Hard work does pay off.
Also, you make some excellent points about the social dynamic and schools. Large student bodies can produce negative effects as well as positive. Public school cliques are often small antisocial groupings. I doubt we'll hear about violence at the Cropper Lyceum.
dudev 3 years ago
I mean Deseret Academy.
dudev 3 years ago
Mr. Cropper you are inspiring! Congratulations.
akinobjectivist 3 years ago
I think the mind body dichotomy you talked about is enforced by public schools, in both ways.
Those who don't want to get along with the other kids and be "normal" end up saying implicitly, "screw it, I just won't deal with them," and put up this barrier. Because of this, they become stuck in the mind.
But all that is created by the public school atmosphere. The idea that you are strange if you can't be friends with just anyone.
horvay 3 years ago
GREAT news! I hope it continues.
pairunoyd 3 years ago
I should be reacting: "oh, no, MrCropper is going to teach things I disagree with" but instead, I'm pleased to see him realizing a dream. And who knows... maybe he'll just teach them mostly to read and write, do math and simplify algebraic equations... all of which I actually happen to agree with.
pyrrho314 3 years ago 3
Well, I would not imagine he would be preaching abstract philosophy at little kids. I would imagine it would be reading and math and stuff.
reneekatz 3 years ago
one supposes, but one teaches philosophy in all learning, implicitly when not explicitly.
I suspect MrCropper would agree with me on that.
If he doesn't squash their inquisitive nature, and his belief in play time implies he won't, then I'm sure they can decide for themselves as they grow, even if he does implicitly teach certain philosophical viewpoints.
pyrrho314 3 years ago 2
Love the comment to parents. Children don't need a big hairy school to make friends! Can't wait to see the video of the students. Hurry!
tsummerlee 3 years ago
Great! I'm so excited for you MrCropper. Congratulations.
marneedear 3 years ago
And shut up about social retards. I am one :-( Actually I was most friendly in the private schools... I was never made fun of in a private school. While in public schools I don't wanna being around people who are bitches. And wow congrats! I thought the main issue with the parents would be the money thing... I knew it was for mine
FoxHatesMe 3 years ago
I'm glad to hear it is going well. Keep up the good work and, as you said, the results will speak for themselves to the parents.
raidon129 3 years ago 3
Wow! Do you need to get some kind of accreditation, or do the kids just take a grade appropriate test to measure their progress...? Or, how does all this kind of stuff work?
pmccarthy001 3 years ago
"Do you need to get some kind of accreditation, or do the kids just take a grade appropriate test to measure their progress...?"
They take state-mandated end-of-year tests to insure the students are learning a certain core curriculum. The tests, by the way, are often extremely easy for home-schooled students to pass. Lisa Van Damme's students felt insulted by the simplicity of these tests.
MrCropper 3 years ago
In contrast, the California high school exit exam is mostly at a 10th grade level, yet public school students mostly whine about having to pass it. Your criticism of public education is well founded.
dudev 3 years ago 2
Sounds like a smashing success.
UnionKid15 3 years ago 2