Crux of the Matter

Rob Roberts of the National Post has published a column this evening explaining that the Toronto District School Board’s safe schools report introduced today at a press conference will be considered at tomorrow night’s board meeting.  He describes the TDSB report itself, which is titled “On the Road to Health,” as “drowning in an ocean of platitudes.” For example, officials at the press conference said the report was on “safe, caring and inclusive schools.”  

Now, I have heard edu-babble before, but rarely with regard to something so deadly serious. They are dealing with violence, honest to goodness violence – rapes, stabbings and shootings. Yet, the board report is referring to inclusivity and programs to teach students to to be nice to each other.  On that point, board chair John Campbell says: “I know you’re looking for hard things. But I think we have to change the soft things.”

Soft things? No wonder the aunt of Jordan Manners, Louisa Manners, a teacher herself, shouted at the presenters today: “What role or what input has the family had in this plan? Has anyone gone to my sister, her children, myself? What role as an educator can I play in making our schools more safe?” What do those questions say about this so-called “leadership action team report” when the family of a murder victim has not been consulted? 

Continue reading ‘TDSB safe schools report short on specifics’ »

There is an old expression, “the proof is in the pudding.” Well, if that is true, and it seems to be, given the awards Prime Minister Harper handed out last week, then why do we hear so much negative feedback about teachers? In fact, if there is one topic where I will get dozens of comments (usually expressing anger at the education system in general), it is about teachers and our schools. Moreover, almost every time I pick up a newspaper I read how the school system is failing our students.

But, is the system and its teachers actually failing? You know what? I don’t think so. And I don’t think so, first and foremost because of Prime Minister Harpers awards, secondly because parents will usually praise their child’s own school and teacher, and lastly, just look south to the U.S. They just held the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Atlanta from May 11th-16. I heard about it when Paul left a comment on my post about the Prime Minister’s awards. He also supplied me with the links I use in this post.

What an amazing fair that must have been with such gifted and motivated young people participating. And, let’s remember, they and others like them are the future. But, remember as well, that behind all those amazing students were dedicated teachers who mentored, guided and encouraged them to be the very best they could be.

Here is the main link to ISEF and a YouTube of the winners. I have also included comments by another blogger.

Everyone involved in education knows these types of things are going on both in Canada and the U.S. and other parts of the world. They just don’t get a chance to share their stories, their successes. As a result, all parents and the general public hear are the school rankings and what the teachers’ unions are trying to include in collective agreements.

We don’t hear what individual children and youth are doing. We don’t know what individual teachers are doing. If the proof is in the pudding, I would like to provide some space here for teachers, students and parents to talk about the good things that are happening in our schools today — because I have no doubt they ARE happening.  

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H/T to Paul with my thanks. C/P at Jack’s Newswatch.