Comments on Pics and Kicks: 10 + 10 = school sucks (in alphabetical order).

Liz's comment on 8/12 was a very accurate take...

2010-09-05T05:59:40.195-10:00

Liz's comment on 8/12 was a very accurate take on today's educational system. Before I became a stay-at-home-mom I worked at a school as special education support staff (while pursuing my BA to eventaully become a teacher) and witnessed the pressure on teachers for test scores. Now I volunteer at my daughter's school and see the same test score pressures on teachers. This is the result of "No Child Left Behind". We are fortunate to live in a wonderful school district. But for those who live in under-performing school districts science, history, and art have been eliminated. The schools want students with low test scores to focus solely on the test subjects (math, reading comprehension, and grammar). How can expect kids to grow up having an appreciation for our country and the world if they don't learn history/social studies? How do kids learn to tap into their creative spirit if they are not taught art? How can we expect kids to appreciate the amazing world around us if they are not taught the intricacies of nature through science?
Parents really do need to learn to hold their children accountable. Are there some duds out there who are truly bad teachers? Yes. But most don't "hate" your kid or assign work that is "too hard." If you want to know what your child's teacher is like, get to know them and keep an open mind! My daughter missed a few recess periods last year for not getting her work done. And I feel the teacher was justified. It's not that she couldn't get the work done in the time alotted, she chose to be a busy-body instead. And parents, don't excpect your child's teacher to constantly e-mail you or write you daily reports. Imagine how much time that would take for all 25 students every day in addition to all of the after-school work they already do! I spoke with one teacher who had a mom request that she e-mail her every hour with updates on her child. And the principle supported it because they are often loathe to stand up to parents.
All of this experience has compelled me to change my career path. Between dealing with test scores, not being able to teach what you want or how you want to teach it, and overzealous parents I have lost my desire. In additiona to all of this there are no teaching jobs in California because our legislature can't agree on a budget and the housing bubble burst in a really big way. This has resulted in tremendous cuts to our educational system. Teachers now have less money but more more pressure and higher expectations. The eternal optimist in me hopes the system changes for the better. You can never give up hope!

I talked to our local PTCO president and got her ...

2010-08-29T18:14:48.045-10:00

I talked to our local PTCO president and got her permission to start what I'm calling a "Grandma Brigade" here in Alpine. Why shouldn't we help out in the classroom--or wherever we're needed around the school? We love kids, and most of us don't live near our own grandkids, so this is a perfect opportunity to pitch in. Now, if someone will just do the same in La'ie and Corona to bless my grandkids' schools . . .

just read an article ... i'll look it up if yo...

2010-08-25T19:30:18.144-10:00

just read an article ... i'll look it up if you want ... where several other countries (china ... and gah if i can remember...) but they were speaking with someone about education and noted that the us is quickly moving towards their past education structure, while they are racing towards what our education structure was.
did that make sense?
we are going BACK to what they have since realized didn't work (memorization, reduced arts, teaching to the test). and they are going FORWARD to what we just gave up (play based, art based, teaching interaction and friendships).
CRAZY.

anonymous, your comment is being deleted. :\ While...

2010-08-25T14:22:32.474-10:00

anonymous, your comment is being deleted. :\ While yes, I agree that the comment you referenced could be interpreted as being a little undercutting to teachers, I don't believe it was intended to be that way. . .

We need to play nice here.

All y'all:

I'm ALL for the sharing of opinions as long as it is done respectfully.

2010-08-25T12:45:59.495-10:00

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

people as so touchy about this subject! i home sch...

2010-08-23T05:57:26.837-10:00

people as so touchy about this subject! i home school. i grew up in public school, so i know a bit about both:) many people criticize home schooling that have no experience. that always amazes me. anyone who truly cares about their kids can home school. many peole think they could not. why not? if you can parent, you can teach, right? there is so much about public school that in general, most people are unaware of, so they don't even know what they are/aren't defending. school administrators/principals/teachers don't like home schoolers because we affect their bottom line: receiving more federal $$. it is scary & it is not changing for the better. and sad to say, we parents cannot change it because the federal government is in control, because we've put them there. we are a confused nation to say the least. in a nutshell, i tell people, if you want your child learning from the standards of the lowest common denominator, then public school is the place for them. otherwise, you can do better!

Hi. Another public school teacher (10th grade Engl...

2010-08-21T07:48:21.368-10:00

Hi. Another public school teacher (10th grade English,)coming out of lurkdom.

1. I agree with the other posters who mentioned that saying the "system is broken" is a harmful metaphor. I think it places unneccessary blame on public education.

Because what part of our current society isn't broken? Health care is broken. Law enforcement/creation is broken, politics, finances, everything is broken.

If we focus on the negative, it is all we see. I think it is much more accurate to say that PARTS of the system are broken. There are bad teachers, there are are bad schools. It isn't just public education that can hurt creativity, it's our society. I read the article in Newsweek on creativity as well. Everyone (not just teachers) are responsible for the decline of creativity in America.

2. Quality of public education depends on location. For me, I see this as the biggest "broken part" in education. A kid in Hawaii deserves the same quality of education as a kid in Utah. The differences in funding and programs between each state is amazing. And depressing.

So, who is responsible for fixing the inequity?

You are. Voters are. The public is responsible for proving to elected officials that we care about education.

Our funding,our mandates for state and federal testing, all come from elected officials. If you want less "drill and kill" VOTE FOR PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT EDUCATION REFORM.

It kills me to see people complain about education in Utah, then vote for people who support budget cuts that eliminate programs for our kids.

When Americans care more about education than whether or not President Obama or Sarah Palin said something stupid, we will start voting for people that care about improving education.

The rare drill and kill teacher aside, most of us our good teachers trying to do our very best to fix the broken parts.

3. Parents, I've been told that you are the children's primary caregivers.

Act like you care.

Sigh. That was a really long and probably unneccessary rant, and it wasn't directed at you, or any other person. Sometimes you hear a good rant, and you just want to be included. :) Thanks for caring about your kids, and thanks for being involved.

Oh, and if ANYONE is still reading this, I love it when parents come and meet with me before school starts.

Instead of fighting it - transcend it. Follow your...

2010-08-19T17:11:54.919-10:00

Instead of fighting it - transcend it.
Follow your gut. Follow the impressions you know you're having.
It's not anyone else's problem.
It's your opportunity.
Every moment is a "teaching opportunity." It doesn't matter where your child is. It's not a black and white "public school vs. homeschool" argument, nor a "phonics vs. memorization," nor any other "rearrangment of the deck chairs on the Titanic" argument.
Read Ken Robinson's The Element and just do a dance of joy as you feel freed, LIBERATED, that YOU, who was raised SO well by such great parents, YOU, the gifted, insightful, teacher that you are, it's YOU who gets to teach your boys - every day. No matter where their routine takes them. When they're with you - YOU are their teacher - better yet, their MENTOR. You share the journey. You don't need to impose any magical curriculum that will "make them smart" - THEY ARE SMART! You ask questions. You listen. You provoke and promote critical thinking. YOU READ, READ, READ, READ, READ, READ, TO THEM. And you revel in the very innate - natural - intrinsic - curiosity and development of these beings called "sons." Do not worry your pretty head any more. THERE IS NO WAY THAT YOU AND RICHIE WILL EVER LET YOUR SONS DOWN IN TERMS OF EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES. You've already given them the world.
One suggestion - that I must add, is that if you ever see, if you ever SENSE, that a love of learning any subject is being diminished - INTERFERE! INTERCEPT. INTERCEDE. You can totally say, "We're not doing that. Homework/shmomework, that is unecessary, let's go play soccer." You just respectfully tell the teacher why the homework (and anything else like it) wasn't completed and ask her/him to grade the child on what he CAN DO and what he HAS DONE and not what he didn't need to do.
the end.

Loving this post! My daughter, 7, was diagnosed w...

2010-08-17T13:04:38.232-10:00

Loving this post! My daughter, 7, was diagnosed with ADD a few weeks ago. When the entire idea that she could have ADD was thrown around, a lot of people immediately recommended medication. I was outraged. Medication to make her CONFORM? She was kept inside at recess for not finishing her work. She is a right brain thinker in a left brain world. She is smart, beautiful and unbelievable creative. Why would I squash that with medication! I love this post because here in the Commonweatlh of Massachusetts we struggle with all that you point out.

Mrs. Woolsey is amazing! hehe :)

2010-08-15T20:47:29.342-10:00

Mrs. Woolsey is amazing! hehe :)

after teaching sunday school to teens in waialua, ...

2010-08-14T18:44:32.023-10:00

after teaching sunday school to teens in waialua, I realized how parental involvement is key for a successful education!

the public (and even private!) school system is far from perfect so I think as parents, we have the opportunity and the responsibility to make up the difference at home by encouraging learning (being involved with homework, projects, etc) and with extra-curricular activities like sports, music, art, etc.

and the great news is: I think that it is not only a benefit to our kids but for us as well!

Natalie-- I went through this--and I STILL am! I...

2010-08-14T18:18:34.051-10:00

Natalie--

I went through this--and I STILL am! I have a son who was diagnosed at age 2 with sensory integration dyfunction. Luckily, I used to work as a skills trainer and my brother has autism, so I already understood the school system and what it already had to offer. When I put my son in school at age 3, I saw both great and bad things happen with him. But some of his behaviors were indicitive to me that additional intervention was necessary. I knew that traditional school settings would not suit him AT ALL!! Plus, I wasn't sure if I wanted to waste my time and energy on a system who does not have my son's best interest exclusively. It really is all about accommodating the masses (which from their standpoint I can almost understand, but I was unwilling to settle for that.)

My family went to an agency in UT called the National Association of Childhood Development (NACD). This is an amazing agency Natalie. I would love to give you my CDs and have you listen to the philosophy behind this. You can even talk with Angel Naivalu who actually interned at this agency and can just tell you about it in a more eloquent way than I ever could!!!

Anyway, this agency is all about unlimited potential in children and they look at them from a neurodevelopmental perspective. These people were able to explain EXACTLY what was going on with my children, and how to FIX the problem AND encourage overall brain development. They SHOW you how to do this. They coordinate with all the professionals involved in your child's life and they empower YOU to continue it at home.

My relationship with my son was always strained because I didn't understand how he learned. But since I have learned how he ticks, it has helped me be a better mother, teacher and advocate for him. Most importantly, It has helped me LOVE him even more for who he is and I honor that much more than I used to. In three months with NACD, he became a totally different person.

Interestingly enough, my daughter, who is now in kindergarten, I had her evaluated and found out that she can process and retain information after hearing it only once. So I have kids on different sides of the spectrum. The school she goes to is allowing me to control her academic curriculum so she doesn't get bored. It still makes me nervous to work with them, 'cause I know too many stories, but I am willing to try.

If you want more information, the website is www.nacd.org. It is truly amazing and I hope this info benefits you like it has for me!

As for the public schools, I think we can all agree that the system is broken, but it truly is my responsibility as a parent to make sure that my children get what they need. If the school can't provide it, I will. If I can't, I will either find a person who can, and/or pray for the atonement of Jesus Christ to act on mine and my children's behalf! Usually I do all the above! :)

You can email me at rachel_hikida@hotmail.com if you are intersted in the cds/more info. Take care!

rachel

The problem with our educational system is that we...

2010-08-14T13:46:06.080-10:00

The problem with our educational system is that we keep trying to fix social and societal problems with educational reform. Until parents teach their kids to be good citizens and active learners, teachers and schools will only get so far. Unless you have spent a year in a school as a teacher or administrator you have no idea how passionate and committed these people are to helping children.

nat - thanks. this is one of the foremost issues...

2010-08-13T21:29:44.847-10:00

nat -

thanks.

this is one of the foremost issues that i'm currently mentally, emotionally, everything torn about. it seriously has my brain in a frenzy... i worry worry worry about what to do with my kiddos. and i could go on and on until i make a full circle of why i should or shouldn't send them to laie or hau`ula, or should or shouldn't homeschool or charter school, or should or shouldn't do this or that and all the other things.

so when you figure this one out, drop me a text, eh friend. :)

I AM an old lady like you, I just don't have k...

2010-08-13T14:24:56.846-10:00

I AM an old lady like you, I just don't have kids yet. ;D But when I do, I'm seriously considering home schooling. I won't send them to a plain old public school without some serious research into what they will be getting into.

Also, my word verification for this is "flobbly." That's a great word.

-Jennie A.

(First of all, picture me standing up in my living...

2010-08-13T09:01:47.182-10:00

(First of all, picture me standing up in my living room clapping "Bravo! Bravo!")

Okay, now for my comment...I agree with the fact that public school does not challenge students as well and as individually as one would hope. What bothers me more is that the mainstream is complacent. Parents these days seem more concerned with passing the grade and moving on. My oldest went to private school until she was in 5th grade. I have DEFINITELY noticed a difference in the public school system since then (she is now in 8th, unfortunately we could not continue to put her in private school).

I supplement my kids' education that they receive by teaching them at home as well. Both my school-age children were reading well before Kindergarten, and all my children articulate very well and have an above-average vocabulary. I think a lot of it does have to do with what you do at home, and too many parents rely on the schools to do the teaching solely. It doesn't work that way. My two youngest will be doing phonics with me at home on their off-preschool days, because I simply don't want to leave it up to the school. I want to KNOW they are ready for Kindergarten.

There are SOOO many teachable moments day in, day out in daily "life", too. You just have to know how to spot them. Also, foster the question asking! I've seen some parents get exasperated with their child asking too many questions and tell them to "just be quiet". So sad. If you can't answer them, look it up with them!! Maybe you'll learn something, too! It's okay not to know, but not okay to remain ignorant out of laziness.

Great post, Natalie. Loved it. So glad there are people like you who recognize the need for further instruction. There are TERRIFIC teachers out there, but let's not expect them to do it all alone. It's a partnership for sure.

(And don't even get me started on the government.) :)

There are certainly many things that can be done t...

2010-08-13T06:47:47.860-10:00

There are certainly many things that can be done to make our system better. I do recognize there are some schools that are terribly broken. And as in any profession, there are a few bad eggs, but for the most part the majority of teachers and administrators are there because they do love it!

We need to realize that "the system" should not be considered a stand-alone. Teachers need reinforcement from home for discipline so they can do their jobs. Sometimes our children may need a little extra academic help...we can give that to them!

We must also be their advocate because we know what is best for them above anyone else.

Unfortunately, there are core requirements mandated by the federal, state, and local districts. When assessing children, it is necessary to have something concrete to assess. It's not a perfect system, but there needs to be some method o gauge improvement. Don't focus so much on what is "normal" for the world. Focus on what is normal for your child.

It's also important to remember that when our children are not performing to "normal" that we not take it personally. It is the teacher's job to encourage the children to strive for perfection...otherwise we are settling for mediocrity!

Kids, teachers and parents all have differing personalities--and rarely are they all going to align perfectly. Children are not going to enjoy every minute of every day as teachers try to various activities to reach all children. Try to encourage your kids to tell you something fun they did. Just like adults, children have a tendency to focus on what they don't have rather than what they do have:)

I had to remind myself to never undermine the teacher to my child. My children have come home with complaints about their teachers on occassion and I try to help the child see the situation through the teacher's eyes and why they may have responded the way they did. It is important that the children learn to respect authority, even when that authority doesn't always best align with the child's personality or desires. I think you will find for the most part, if you discuss you child's concerns with the teacher, they generally do not even realize the problem and are usually more than willing to work with you and your child. And you don't need to wait until conferences!

And sometimes the conflicts are more us than the kids! I have not always agreed with how teachers run their classrooms, but when I have discussed my concerns, I can see they have good reasoning behind it and they have found a system that works well for them. And sometimes, they find ways they can improve and are appreciative of my suggestions.

As a former teacher, I have had a lot of people ask me why I don't home school. I know home schooling is a great thing for many families, and I do not want to detract from them. My personal feeling was that the teachers have a greater resources than I have. My children only spend 1100 hours per year in school. I feel that my children get a lot of teaching from me during the other 7660 hours they are home with me and that it is good to learn from someone with other insights.

I know as my children start to leave elementary school my focus will shift more towards academics, but for me, what it boils down to is are my kids enjoying school and do they feel loved. I graduated in the top 1% of my high school class and attended college with a full-tuition scholarship. Now I'm a mom, and even when I was a teacher, none of that really seems to matter. What really matters are the ethics and values and morals that my parents taught me.

I apologize for rambling, but these are things I wish had learned sooner! Thanks for opening the discussion. I've learned a lot from the other comments.

Trust me... TRUST ME... I know it's not for ev...

2010-08-13T05:12:35.224-10:00

Trust me... TRUST ME... I know it's not for everyone and there are plenty of mixed feelings people have on the subject, but homeschooling is great. And I do know it takes LOTS of time, especially for large families... but I do think some of the reasons you mentioned in your post, is why homeschooling is rapidly growing across the States.

I have three Boys and one daughter< my three bo...

2010-08-13T04:27:00.850-10:00

I have three Boys and one daughter< my three boys have had such a hard time learning in the traditional public school way, I know that they are amazing kids, and I know that will make many mistakes along the way I hope that they do, I am Here to guide them and partner with my childrens teacher. I rarely get to involved after Jr. High only because I want my children to handle it with me beside them encouraging them on. My oldest struggled especially as a sophmore in high school. got kicked off His beloved soccer team, but He learned from it. and made the Honor roll ever since and is now at BYUH going to play soccer for the seasiders Yay! It all works out, let them make mistakes while they are home Be involved but also teach them how to handle things. and be a mama bear when it's warrented.

I know that there are so many problems with the sc...

2010-08-12T21:32:41.518-10:00

I know that there are so many problems with the school systems. After teaching I saw how big of a difference each teacher makes. I was able to go to my nieces amazing charter school and absolutely Loved what I saw. I could tell how big of a difference a school can make to the teachers and the students. Some encourage innovation and creative thinking others not so much. That being said, much more important than any school you could send your child to is what you're doing at home. READ. Lots and make it fun. Huge. My passion in teaching. Teaching a child to love reading teaches them to love learning. Second teach them naturally at home. The more natural the better. I could go on for a year about all my opinions. Oh and one last thing: especially when they are young don't stress if they haven't learned something yet. The lights turn on in time. K that's it. You're an amazing mom and teacher. Your kids will flourish.

Great post! I'm not a parent yet but it hasn&...

2010-08-12T21:20:02.881-10:00

Great post! I'm not a parent yet but it hasn't been all that long since I was in school and I totally agree with you....We are VERY MUCH broken!

I have lots of thoughts on this, but my two bigges...

2010-08-12T21:15:57.093-10:00

I have lots of thoughts on this, but my two biggest are for parents and teachers. I've done both and let just say that no matter what the government or administrators say or do, parents and teachers are THE biggest factors in how children learn.

I started my schooling with some pretty traumatic teacher deficiencies and it hurt my confidence and ability to perform my best. I wrote an article about the importance of teachers at http://kareywhite.blogspot.com/2010/08/how-important-are-good-teachers.html.

Parents are their kids biggest advocates and if we as parents won't stand up and insist on what's best for our kids, no one will. Let me just say that no one--teachers, administrators--no one knows better what their child needs than an involved parent. And who cares if you look like one of "those" parents. We have to fight for what's best for our child and since each child is different, they might need something different. The best teacher for one child may not be the best teacher for another child and it's high time that administrators listened to parents who have concerns about their kids' situations.

I've become weary of fighting the battle to be sure my kids get what they need, but I will still fight on, because no one else will. We HAVE to be involved.

Deanna, That's one of my favorite articles.

2010-08-12T20:13:18.225-10:00

Deanna,

That's one of my favorite articles.

I think the style is called "Drill and Kill.&...

2010-08-12T19:58:09.375-10:00

I think the style is called "Drill and Kill." Read the recent Newsweek article about the U.S. failing our children in terms of thinking creatively. Our country's innovation and entrepreneurial spirit (which I assume you and Richie both know well!) is being killed by a model that's both a) recognized to be inefficient and harmful and b) being widely implemented in schools.

Sometimes I think homeschooling is the answer for our family. Other times I think that if all the involved, active and interested parents homeschooled it would be to the detriment of the local school system. There are no easy answers (wouldn't it be nice in parenting if there was one or two softballs for us to hit?); but I am satisfied that if we at least take the "learning begins at home" tack that we can help shape innovative, creative, and socially aware children.

Oh, and K12 works through the public school system...

2010-08-12T18:50:04.822-10:00

Oh, and K12 works through the public school system (at least in UT it does) so they supply all of the books and lesson plans so that you don't need to do that, but just cater each one to your child's specific learning style.