4. There has been much discussion about increasing the length of the school year. In the distant past, children were required to assist in family farm fields, as we once were a largely agricultural society. This no longer applies to most children, yet they continue to remain off from school for 3 months. Teachers do need planning time, professional training time and rest, as time spent being a thorough teacher during the school year, can result in days where teachers work past midnight. A compromise to teachers and solution to excessive non productive time off is to make mandatory one month of community service work over the summer, in order to fulfill graduation requirements. High school students are usually blessed with much enthusiasm and energy. I’m sure charitable and not for profit organizations throughout the State would be pleased to have the added assistance and helping hands for those in need. The benefits to students will be the peace of mind and good feeling that one receives from helping others, a greater appreciation for their own life situation, and perhaps have an idea on a fulfilling career goal. Of course, students should be able to choose from a variety of charitable organizations to fulfill graduation requirements. So, the suggestion is to extend the high school year by one month, to include community service work.
5. “Centers” in the early primary years, can add to or create attention deficit disorders. Centers involve children’s assignment to various school work areas (blocks, dress up, etc.). It goes without saying and based on talent and interest, that a child will favor one center over another. A child will watch others, and want to be at their favorite center. However, rotation is the “order of the day” and so the child faces anxiety until their turn comes to go to a favored station. Is it possible that all children in a classroom can be “on the same page at the same time”? Education experts seem to have to justify their expertism at the expense of harming children by creating curriculum that can lead to anxiety, frustration, and attention deficit in students. If the basics work (as they have in the past), then why change tried and true curriculum? Additional excitement, mayhem, and sometimes chaos, especially in these times are unnecessary. Children need stability, consistency, and clear direction in assignments and expectations without added distractions. Basic and common sense skills are the requirements that are necessary to succeed in managing life’s situations. Too many children have attention deficit disorders and are medicated with Ritalin on the recommendations of health professionals and school staff. Have studies been conducted as to why this is occurring in an unprecedented way? My notion is that a new and exciting lesson plan on a regular basis and rushed curriculum can only add to the problem of over stimulated children. The basics and repetition are the requirements for success in the classroom. And probably, there should be periods of rest and meditation at appropriate intervals.
6. Finally, state school psychology practices need to be carefully examined. At an open house, I viewed 3 posters on the psychiatrist’s office window, inviting students to gay/straight alliance meetings. I thought to myself, if you’re not a homosexual now, you will be when you leave the meeting and a partner will even be provided, courtesy of the school district. Years ago, if a student had that kind of inclination, he or she would be referred to an outside agency for counseling or help, if requested. Why are these types of meetings taking place in the public.