Tuesday, July 24, 2007

One Size Fits All...

or does it? I think we all know that it doesn't. So, then why do we continue to try to fit everyone, country, etc into the same size? Why do we teach different kids in different communities the same thing? Why don't we tailor the education of children and communities to their needs. Couldn't we start a school in an agriculture community that teaches the kids about agriculture and better ways to farm, raise cattle, etc?

I am so angered by how our educational system works. Why are we all so stuck in this idea that everyone has to or even needs the same education. Each student, community, state, country has different needs. Why do we lump everyone together and not worry about what might or might not be relevant to them?

I have done all of my teaching in schools where the population is pretty much entirely blue collar and nearly all black. Yet the curriculum we used was not designed with them in mind. As the district at its inception was an all white district. Why is it politically incorrect to say that we should teach these black students, asian student, latino students, etc things that are culturally relevant to them? Why can't their curriculum focus on issue, events and people who are important to them? Wouldn't they be more inclined to like school if they are being taught or exposed to things that than and their parents can really relate to?

I am fed up...so much more to come.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

After spending the last semester in a north St. Louis elementary school I couldn't agree more. I am so sick of everyone 'teaching the test.' All you have to do is look up the test scores of our students (I believe 3rd grade in the school I am in scored 6% proficiency in reading!) to see that it is NOT working...

Stacie said...

UGH! I agree - "the teaching the test" idea is helping to ruin our schools and draining the joy out of teaching. We need more people to shake up the education system! (Unfortunately it would have to start in the political arena... that's not where it should be, but that's where it is right now.)