September 5, 2009 — It's time that all the political rancor ends that is going on right now about the Presidents proposed speech to school children. There are comments that are being attributed to both sides of the political fence that are just ridiculous and irresponsible. I'll use this news account as my case in point http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/09/04/obama.schools/index.html. If the statements made out of the WH Press Room and by Republican leadership are not just plain stupid, then I don't know what is.
The media article has a couple of points that I believe are worth thinking about and discussing: (1) Here is a partial quote from a parent "...'Thinking about my kids in school having to listen to that just really upsets me,' suburban Colorado mother Shanneen Barron..." – now that is every parents right to feel this and to express it. It's what I call a parent getting involved and caring about what their kids are doing. It's also pertinent to the debate that is raging over this issue. (2) Some school districts are letting individual teachers decide if the speech is appropriate to be seen by their students as noted by the Wellesley, Massachusetts school superintendent Bella Wong "...Many, such as Wellesley, Massachusetts, superintendent Bella Wong, are deciding on a class-by-class basis, leaving the decision in the hands of individual teachers. " Now that is an intelligent approach to this issue. If I were a teacher in one of those schools I'd be spending my time this weekend in phoning the parents of my students and asking for their opinion and let that decide the issue for me and my class.
There are other things that might be considered here such as teaching respect and listening to the views of others. For an intelligent discussion on those points, I invite you to read this blog and comment http://unchartedparent.com/.
One thing that does concern me about all of this is the WH also passing along "lesson plans" with this speech. I'm sorry, I do not want the government whether it is liberal of conservative, Democrat or Republican, pink or blue, deciding what should be taught in the classroom. If I am a teacher, then it is my responsibility and right to decide what is and what is not taught consistent with the policy and plans of my school and the district in which it resides.
Is this speech necessary? I think it is if the politics are left out. It is very important that school age children from K-12 take responsibility for their education. It is important that they think about the consequences of dropping out especially in today's economy. It's important that parents rethink their part in helping their children understand these things. These are critical factors that aid in determining whether or not the child grows into a responsible adult...I mean these are CRITICAL...and it's what really matters!
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