CAT Tracks for September 26, 2010

CAT Tracks for September 26, 2010

For those few and far between moments when teachers receive unsolicited feedback from those whose lives were entrusted to them over the years...

To receive confirmation...that rather than destroying young lives - as will be the drumbeat this "Education Nation" week - that teachers were able to assist a young person to the development of their talents and the attainment of their dreams.

I received the following e-mail from a former student and graduate of Cairo High School in response to my dismal posting of earlier today.

From her even-handed, well-reasoned comments, you can tell that the author learned the critical-thinking skills and the means of expression so vital to a successful career and fulfilling life.

On behalf of all your former teachers, I would like to say...

Thank You, Julia!

From: J Johnson
Date: 9/26/2010 2:56:45 PM
To: rjnewell@midwest.net
Subject: Re: The calm before the storm...

I have noticed the focus on public school education “failures” has been on public school teachers. Sensible people like me know that pointing the finger at one group is not realistic and will not solve the problem.

Let’s discuss some of the problems:

Teaching for the test: Nowadays, our almighty Federal and State Education Policy makers (who are typically elected or appointed officials that are not usually educators by the way) have decided that education is measured in the form of “standardized” tests. Standardized testing is a good tool to measure performance. However, it should not be the only tool to measure success of an educational program. In my view, the focus on the “test” has forced our educators to teach for the test. Thus, “real” education is falling by the way side. It is not the fault of teachers. It is the fault of our policy makers.

Educational requirements for Private vs. Public Schools: There is a vast difference in requirements for private schools than public schools regarding the content of educational curricula as I have been told. Private schools are allowed more latitude with their educational programs whilst public schools have strict rules. Again, they must “teach for the test”.

Funding inequality: Funding is NEVER equal. Why is it that schools in different neighborhoods receive skewed amounts of funding for the basics like equipment, educational material, facilities, etc? This is something that definitely needs to be fixed. It should not matter if a child goes to an inner city school or a wealthy suburban school. All should be equal. It is amazing to me that teachers have to come out of pocket each year so that children have the basic supplies. In addition, it is amazing that there are so many funding drives for the average citizen to purchase supplies for youth. Don’t get me wrong. I have no problem contributing supplies. However, there are so many programs that are supposed to provide funding for education like tax revenue, bonds, the lottery, etc. Where is this money going? Wake up people! Ask the question to your elected officials and see if they have a good answer.

Teachers have limited control to discipline: Removing the control of teachers to discipline children has led to the reduction in respect for educators. I have visited schools in the recent past. I am amazed at what children get away with. The learning environment is in total chaos in some places. Many teachers are not allowed to chastise students for their behavior. If they do, then they could be fired, suspended, and in some cases brought up on criminal charges. I am not saying that a teacher should be allowed to hit children or anything like that. I am just stating that there should be more accountability on the part of the child, the parents, the educators and the administrators.

Lack of parental involvement: Often times children only have the educator to assist with their educational needs. Not all, but many parents, are not involved with their child’s education due to many factors. Teachers are left to educate, counsel, etc. because the child may or may not have parents who are in a position to be more involved.

I do not have children. However, I do not think one needs to have children to be able to speak sensibly on this topic. I was a kid once and I know that my performance was mostly my responsibility. Teachers gave me many of the tools needed to educate myself and be successful.
There are many factors affecting the education of our youth. Placing the blame solely on our educators is not only a mistake; it is unfair. We have become a society of people who spend more time blaming others than holding ourselves accountable. We all need to work together to get our education system back on track.

To my teachers: I was fortunate to have excellent educators in my life both directly and indirectly. Stand up and speak out against the claims that it is all your fault. Don’t be silent. Get the word out about what you have to do each day to get it done regardless of the challenges. People need to know the entire truth!!!!!!