I read in the paper that Germany has the fourth-largest economy, an educated and skilled work force and an export-oriented industrial base that's the envy of all. Let me just speak to the educated and skilled work force. One reason this is a reality is because by the 4th grade students in Germany began to be tracked into schools that suit their needs. If German students are not ready for a certain level of learning they do not have to sit in a classroom becoming frustrated because what is being taught is over their heads. This is not to say that they are receiving an inferior education, they are not, they are learning what they need to learn. Now it is possible that the 4th grade is a little too early to decide who can truly do what, but at some point, students who have not "gotten it" need to be allowed to take the classes that they need so they can learn what they need to learn to enable them to learn more. Our system of a one-size fits all education is just not reality. On the one hand we are told to diversify instruction and then we are handed one curriculum that ALL students must master. How can we possibly turn out a skilled work force when our state mandated curriculum sees all students as ending up behind a corporate desk wearing a business suit? It is not possible to teach students to love learning when what they are being asked to learn is not appropriate for them, not needed for their future dreams and goals, and not relevant to their reality. If we truly want to get all students ready for college, then let's give them what they need to be able to get what we think they should have, down the road a bit. Does that make sense? Because I get all riled up about this.
Moving on...
I mentioned the absurdity of the Barefoot Bandit having supporters in my last blog, well come to find out he has over 80,000 "fans" on Facebook who have eulogized his exploits and demanded his release, and they hail him as "a real-life 21st century outlaw!" Don't they get it? He is a criminal, a bad guy, not someone who deserves to be idolized!
And finally...
Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and Red Riding Hood will all soon be updated. There will be a twisted version of Sleeping Beauty, the true version of Snow White will be done with the thieving dwarves and fearsome dragon, a gothic Little Red will be pitted against a werewolf in a medieval town (this is all found in Entertainment Magazine), Now I know that fairy tales were actually meant to be scary, but come on, will little children be able to see these updated versions? I think not and that's too bad because there will be parents who will take them because they will think they are appropriate, they are fairy tales after all. No sweet dreams for them. The End.
Rosemary
No comments:
Post a Comment