--- Michael Atherton <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Diversity in this context does not mean being "made
> up of distinct characteristics,
> qualities, or elements." Rather, it is a social
> agenda with a proscribed set of attitudes
> and behaviors. What we should strive for is not
> conformity to a trendy collection of
> buzz words, but respect for the fundamental right of
> an individual to be different from
> the norm. A right that proponents of "diversity"
> often fail to recognize.
>
> Michael Atherton
> Prospect Park
I fully agree with Michael that our educational system
must promote diversity by allowing for the interests
and abilities of each individual.
What Michael fails to realize, is that by calling "for
the fundamental right of an individual to be different
from the norm" we need radical reform (not very
radical in itself, but radical because the powers that
be would be hard pressed to see it happen).
We need to get rid of grades and standardized tests -
they are nothing more than tools to produce "a good
student". What "good student" means is having a
certain set of beliefs, a certain set of relationships
to authority, a hard and fast role that makes it
necessary for each student to fall in line. The "good
student" code really means that we want to set up our
system so that there are winners and losers - the
winners play by the rules and turn out how we engineer
them, and the losers are individuals that resist our
engineering. Students are not stupid. They realize
there is a set of expectations for their actions, for
what they should learn, how they should answer
(think), how they should interact with other students
and teachers, what they should feel. Staying in line
is internalized and any individualness is watered
down, and spirit squashed. This is why students drop
out - they are tired of playing the game and they see
that even if they do play, it does not guarantee any
results.
Reform also requires setting up schools so that they
are not only responsive to the needs and interests of
students, but they are also set up to allow students
to have actual power. This would allow for Michael's
"fundamental right of an individual". Until we see
these reforms, students will (largely) continue to be
uninterested in learning and school; unable to realize
their individuality or potential; and most of all, we
will continue to see the great disparity of students
we allow (cause) to fail and those that happen to
succeed.
I would like to hear from current School Board members
as to what MPS does to listen to students. I would
also like to hear from candidates as to what they
would do to get feedback from students.
Jon Kelland
Bryant
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