It is almost July. When I was teaching, the 4th always signified summer was winding down and the school year was looming. As school starts earlier and earlier, that is even more the case. I never agreed with the early start, but it seems to be the trend in many communities. It is difficult because parents who both work really have to hustle to find daycare and activities in all these added "little" days off during the school year. I was always afraid that lots of children just stayed home with a TV and a Lunchable for company.
Shortening the school week, lengthening the school day, adding a program here, taking instruction time there-schools are hustling to save money and find monies in a myriad of ways. It seems most important that America's children have consistency in their school experience. Juggling and tap dancing do not a scholar make. A challenging, comprehensive educational experience that educates and empowers demands butts in the seats and teachers at the front of the class. It demands a vigorous curriculum and high expectations. Negative behavior and low performance are only reinforced by free passes and dummying down academics.
The governments focus is no longer a successful education for it's young citizens. The mantra that "all kids succeed" has backfired and the word success has a new definition. "Make it happen on paper-no matter what" has resulted in watered down objectives and excuses instead of results. Centralized public education has allowed the government to put the raising of our children in their hands, as often families seem to not be doing such a good job. The question? Is government doing such a good job either?
Many select private schools, magnet schools, charter schools or even educate at home. Often these are families who value education, instill discipline and have high expectation for their children. We need to give all our children these values and expectations. Some must be allowed to fail, so the rest begin to see the need to truly succeed. Happy 4th-May God continue to bless our country and our lives. Chrissie
1 comment:
heir school days wouldn't be remembered as happy but as the years their parents shoved them out of the nest so that they didn't have to be bothered with them. Talk about childhood scarring. I never wanted to go to a boarding school. I was delighted to fly home to the family nest each afternoon.
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