From 1800 to 1840, literacy rates in North increased from 75 percent to between 91 and 97 percent. In South, white literacy rate grew from about 50 to 60 percent, to 81 percent (it was illegal to teach blacks to read). By 1850, literacy rates in Massachusetts and other New England states, for both men and women, was close to 97 percent. This was before Massachusetts created first compulsory public-school system in America in 1852 (of course, these literacy numbers did not apply to black slaves since many colonies had laws that forbid teaching slaves to read).

Ever since first public schools were established in Massachusetts in 1852, and made compulsory in most of states by 1890's, literacy among adults and children has been deteriorating. As I noted in a previous article, today literacy rate for students in our public schools ranges from 30 percent to 70 percent. Compare that literacy horror statistic to over 90 percent literacy rate for average child, man, and woman by 1852.

The question to naturally ask is this: if our kids learned to read far better when we had an education free-market before public schools came along, why on Earth do we need public schools now? The answer is, we don't. Parents should take advantage of quality, low-cost, free-market education alternatives they have right now that I explore in my book, "Public Schools, Public Menace."

Joel Turtel is an education policy analyst. He is also the author of "The Welfare State: No Mercy For The Middle Class." Contact Information: Website: http://www.mykidsdeservebetter.com, Email: lbooksusa@aol.com, Phone: 718-447-7348, Article Copyrighted © 2005 by Joel Turtel, Article can be reprinted on ezines or newsletters only if Contact information to Joel Turtel and his website is included.

As children grow older, their tastes literally change, expanding to include more foods – but not always. When this does not happen, clever picky eater coping strategies are needed.

Many explanations exist for children’s unusual picky eating habits that bypass biological and developmental reasons. Today, you will discover numerous forms of public awareness and understanding about picky eaters. In fact, discussion forums and clubs devoted to mysteries of picky eaters, along with what makes these folks tick are everywhere. We are not just talking about kids, but also adults who grew up as picky eaters and now find themselves in this exclusive category as they struggle with their unique appetites.

Remember, when it comes to picky eaters, “unique” is keyword. Your picky eater child may have a different palate, but he or she is not strange, weird, or even unusual. A variety of reasons could account for his or her taste buds being apart from other children.

If you would like to learn more about reasons certain kids are picky eaters or discover some great tasting and easy to prepare picky eater recipes then visit http://mypickyeater.com