Education and Cannibals!
You Learn What You Live!
Education reform is the big buzzword now that we have a new administration, with a new Secretary of Education.
But everyone keeps presenting different ideas that only address part of the problems in our public schools.
Suggestions have been made for longer school days, shorter school days, more money per child, bigger and more modern schools, smaller class size, year-round school, merit pay, more charter schools, graduation at age 16, vouchers, and on and on and on. . .
Some of the suggestions have some merit, while others are clearly problematic.
Even extremely valid suggestions, such as greater emphasis on reading, math and science mastery ignore the big picture. Few, if any, of the suggestions offer a way to offset the current ubiquitous negative societal impact on public education.
Just as an example, how can an ivory tower commission suggest shortening the school week and graduating students from high school at age 16? Do the commission members think that students who are unruly, with little respect for self or others, will suddenly become model, educated citizens at 16, just because they have a diploma?
Is there a Complete Answer?
Any education reform plan MUST take societal factors into consideration if it is to be successful in improving USA public education.
If you have read Don’s book “Set Our Teachers FREE! A Plan to Save Public Education”, then you know that the book is divided into three sections.
- A brief biography of Don’s 50+ years dealing with students, parents and educators.
- An A-Z dictionary of some of the most prominent problems that must be dealt with to restore excellence in education, and
- Finally, a COMPLETE, PROVEN, WORKABLE Plan to revamp every public school in the USA quickly.
Just a Brief Excerpt
Today, for those who have not read the book yet, I’d like to share a tiny excerpt from the A to Z section. This is just ONE of the listings under “C”, and an odd one at that, but I think you’ll find it thought-provoking. It’s entitled: Cannibals
“Aha! Do I have your attention? No, I’m not saying that one of the problems in our schools is cannibalism. (I hope not!)”
“This is simply a reminder to myself to point out that children grow-up thinking that whatever they see being accepted and practiced in the society around them is the correct thing to do.”
“If you are raised in a society of cannibals, then cannibalism is seen as the right thing. Likewise, if our students see lying, cheating, poor work ethics, blatantly sexual behavior, and other issues as the norm, that is the behavior they will emulate.”
“We see it happening everywhere, everyday! Kids model what they see their own parents, their peers, TV shows, and favorite rock stars do.”
“We MUST understand that straightening out our public schools is a societal issue, as well as an educational one!”
This comparison may seem silly, but it clearly demonstrates why NO education reform plans will be successful unless they include provisions for addressing ALL the reasons our schools are failing. This is why The Kingsland Plan is so desperately needed.
If you haven’t gotten your copy yet, then click the links above or below.
Help us get the word out!
Brennan
