My goodness! Where has the time gone? I'm more of a person-to-person chatterer than I am someone who writes (or types, as in this case). I got to thinking about all the problems that are plaguing our world these days. One of them, in my very own country...USA...is our education system.
Our education system is flawed. Its cracks are more than visible; they're now felt. It's a trickle down of reckless financial responsibility, education misinformation and shotty politics Our teachers are being robbed of their ability to do what they love and in turn, our students...pioneers of the future...are being stifled in their goals to express themselves. Children's imaginations are what helped to shape our world. By stripping our children of their imaginations and individuality, we are only corrupting the natural process of positive growth.
Teachers go to school to learn. They don't do this just for their own self worth, but with the notion that the knowledge they've learned and earned, can be passed down to future generations in hope of creating a more compassionate, well-balanced and highly functional society. So many want to blame the teachers for how many of our youth have turned out. Those very people are forgetting to see the hardships these teachers are faced with when trying to gain balance within their own teaching environments so they can offer the best that they can give.
Unfortunately, many of those teachers are faced with rules that are politically bound, that stretch beyond the boundaries of a politician's office; politicians that are sticking their noses and hands into something they aren't qualified to meddle in. These rules start to govern our educational establishments and of course...that means teachers are now more restricted. They are unable to go above and beyond for their students, as they once previously hoped they could. Class sizes are now busting at the seams. It was once 20-28 students per average class, now it's well over 30, with some even tapping out at almost 40 students. I'm a mother of 2 and I have enough trouble trying to keep track of each of my children's day to day schedules, but to try and manage the time and behavior of 30+ students? Mind you, each student is different and each one needs help in some way or another. For one person (most of the time this just being the teacher) to manage that day by day and get most of their students to pass a C grade level...that's a triumph in itself. They should be praised for that achievement. Parental involvement is highly important to aiding teachers in managing students on an individual basis. Many parents go to work or are at home, with the expectations that their children are at school and the school is solely responsible for the entire well-being of the student while in their care. That type of thinking only causes the parent to act as though they aren't responsible for their child during school hours and that if the school doesn't perform up to par, then they should be held responsible for something that should start from home. Other parents butt into the school's business so much, that they don't allow the school to assist them in helping their child to progressively grow. That only stunts the ability of the child.
Don't be afraid to involve yourself with the school, to some degree, in order to help your child maintain a decent educational environment and relationship with his/her teachers. With one of my children being special needs, I try my best to butt out unless it has to do with something that could hinder my child's progress. I make sure to be on top of the classwork and homework that is going on. I even have my own daily planner to keep me up to date with everything. I also know both children's teachers and the multiple ways to reach them in case of something important or an emergency. I try to touch base with them should something arise from home so they know what to expect at school. There's a multitude of ways that we, as parents, can help with our children and their schools.
Lastly, be sure to show your appreciation to the school and its staff by saying a thank you now and then. You'd be surprised how welcoming and warm it is for them to know that someone is on their side. I've always held fast to the belief that if you don't like the way things are going...then do your part to help change it for the better. WE need to work TOGETHER and help one another MAKE a difference. TEAMWORK. COMMUNITY. COMPASSION. RESPONSIBILITY. Let's put our education on the forefront. It's the only way we're going to learn to progress forward in a healthy and positive way. Our children are our FUTURE. Their ideas help to shape this world into something more. Let's fight for it working together.
