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Back in the "olden" days

From: sillymoe
Date: 02 Dec 2004
Time: 17:00:13 -0500
Remote Name: 170.224.224.123

Comments

I find the older I get the more worried I get about the shape of today's educational system. I, like Fraulein_Feline in "Skool Dayz", had teachers that taught. I had the priviledge of being a "military brat". We moved every three or four years. There were many schools and many teachers. I had a fourth grade teacher that was worried that I would miss out on a lot of school when I had to have my appendix removed smack dab in the middle of the school year. She came to the hospital every day I was there and tutored me. She continued to come to my home for the six weeks that I was out of school recouping. In this day and age if a child had to miss that amount of school they would most likely be held back a year. That is exactly what Ms. Sinclair didn't want to happen to me. She knew the importance of being with other children your age. She knew the stigma of being "held back". Of course, back then it was labeled "failing". Ms. Sinclair went the extra mile and a half to insure that I would get the tools I needed to keep from failing the fourth grade. None of us in her class really thought she was great. She was old (at least to us) and stern and grouchy looking. Even though I appreciated what she did for me by going out of her way I still didn't really change my mind about the old, stern and grouchy part. Since becoming an adult I have seen her and she does smile and seems to have a great sense of humor. I believe that was necessary to keep a class of active fourth graders in line and learning. That is another thing I would like to bring up. Back in the "olden days" teachers used to be creative and inventive so that it was exciting to go to school and LEARN. What has happened to those people? Where have they gone? Why weren't they in my son's classes? When did art, shop, music (band, choir and such), home economics and the dramatic arts become expendable? When did only offering sports and required courses make a child "well rounded"? Being well rounded used to be a requirement to get into many colleges. That used to include sports, elective classes, clubs and organizations that provided a community service as well as "rounding" our children out. Alas, I fear the good ole days are just a good ole memory for most of us. I am sure that I will want my grandchildren (when they happen) to have the benefits of modern technology but with some golden old ways thrown in. I vow to be active in their education and will do my darnest to campaign for reform in whatever school my son and his wife choose for their children.

Last changed: 09/25/08