"Those safeguards should extend into the government education system as well. Whoever educates our children should be accountable foremost for that education."
Absolutely. Safeguards will always be a bottom line in this country. We can count on that.
California schools are ahead of the game when it comes to THE NCLB Reading First programs, btw, as are the Penn. schools. I have had first hand experience with several educators from boh states. ... But there is still a great deal of work to do.
I have been in touch with one particular school in Santa Maria Bonita, Calif. for the past year.....they have been very supportive in terms of assisting me with the "reading first" curriculum. The Core Reading Program.
I have taken the initiative and welcome the opportunity to ask questions in order tto find out just how other school systems approach thenew programs. I have been impressed with the schools in Calif.
But, then again, like I said the other day.....they, too are subjected to teaching ONLY the 3 R's.
There is a way to integrate curriculum but they are ahead of the game there too....because they have made sure such accomodations are available.
My sister's child is going to attend a private school next year and I've "come to find out" they offer not only science and social studies, but art/music and DRAMA ! The good old days of my career.
I have to admit, I would rather eat Godiva Chocolate' than a bittersweet thin mint any day of the week. I work in a virtual Junior Mint box these days.
I applaud the home schoolers...I do. I will leave my post at that.
The little beings I teach each day come to school so damn happy to learn something new, it would make you all cry a tear.
So, for now,I 'sneak' in science and social studies, and I try to bring in art and music (I have a double minor in art ed and music ed). I play the piano and the classical guitar. I am an artist.
In the end;
These little ones will never have the luxury of Home Schooling or private schooling....
I want them to have the best..and I will do my best to provide that.
Update:
Just recently, life has changed for the little boy that I posted about last month or so....the one who is raised by "gang members'....well, his step father died of an overdose not too long ago. The S-father had just bitched at me on the phone about "homework" after months of no contact in such regard. I remember telling the principal about the conversation and that I had some worries about the man's tone and threats against the little boy. The step dad in question actually put "R" ON THE PHONE as a humiliation tactic of sorts....(the boy who has come to trust me and feel comfortable in a school room setting)....Well, the dad" died THAT NIGHT of an drug overdose.
I was so sad for my student. He has never been better! Yes, he is sad for him mom and now that he is living with grandma, the boy is a NEW BEING. I know that is not right of me to suggest that the Step Father's life should not have been lost, but this child is at peace now. My god. What a world. God Bless the man's soul. I pray for him, I do.
My student, "R" has had a tougher life than anyone on this board will ever know and he's only 8!
I am proud to have been a part of his and other children's lives all these years. I hold hope that there is a future for these kids. A chance to find their own place in the world. So many kids return to me year after year with stories of life.
Lives can be touched, sure...and as a teacher I have touched so many lives.
But I want more. I want them to "get" what everyone else gets"....
I believe that UP is right. There ARE AND HAVE BEEN attempts to improve the PS system. I actually see the beginning steps now, and I suppoe we have had to take a couple of steps backward in order to move forward. I have hope. FRance and other European nations who hold a qualtiy education system have been around a lot longer that the USA...we just need time, I suppose and a willingness to meet in the middle.
