I have been feeling anxious lately. I think that's the right word; it's hard to explain really. I feel sad and angry that education is becoming such a low priority in America. There are deep budget cuts to schools in every state and we are certainly feeling it here this year. An entire first grade class at Calli's school was disbanded, sending the kids to different classrooms to increase the sizes of those classes and leaving a teacher without a job. Now I find out that one of the two Gifted and Talented teachers at the school was let go this year due to budget cuts. I spoke with this teacher last year and Calli spent one day a week in her enrichment program. Now the school no longer offers that program. Quite frankly, I'm offended that programs here such as public pre-k are still offered for children who don't speak english, but they are so quick to cut the programs to benefit children who need the extra challenges.
I felt a little frustrated when I found out that a lot of kids enter first grade not knowing how to read. That is fine and dandy, but my daughter has been reading chapter books over the summer and her teacher said that being proficient in reading was basically the only requirement to go on to the second grade (great, can we skip her ahead now?). Let me say, I have three more children yet to come into the education system. Who knows what their abilities will be? I even hesistate to say that because I see myself as an involved parent. I help Calli with her homework, I read with her, we are always learning things. I can't imagine doing the same things with the others and it not "working", but I guess you never know. So my point is, I don't mean to be presumptuous about her academic abilities. I don't mean to toot her horn over and over. If I have a child who is slower one day, then I would advocate for them in just as big of a way. But for now, I have a child who needs me to advocate for her developmental advantages.
I emailed the Gifted and Talented teacher this week, which is when I found out about the other teacher being let go (so sad because I met her and spoke with her a few times and she was wonderful). I expressed my concerns over Calli scoring very high on the academic parts of the GT tests last year, but the creativity portions holding her back. To be honest I wish they didn't make the creativity part so important to getting into the program. Don't get me wrong, I think this is definitely an important life skill, but it also seems a bit ironic. This school district makes kindergarteners sit at a desk for six hours a day (I left out time for their lunch and lonely recess, and perhaps a bit of free time in the classroom if they're lucky) and then they wonder why the kids aren't more creative. Isn't this a bit hypocritical? But I digress. My point is, Calli scored exceptionally high on the academic portions, so shouldn't that seem to count for more? Shouldn't that signal that she does need to be challenged in other ways outside her regular first grade classroom? But the test givers don't see it that way.
I found out that (also due to budget cuts) they don't test kids every year for GT. Calli would be skipping the test this year and able to do it in second grade. The GT teacher ended up pulling Calli's files and seeing that she scored very high on the parts I had said and that she is willing to let her take the creativity portion again this month. I am elated about this. I will be able to try and work with her a little bit and encourage her to think outside the box. I am also hoping that her only having to sit through a single test instead of hours upon hours of tests will be beneficial. When all is said and done, maybe she still won't make it and I will have to come to terms with that and take it upon myself to encourage her learning and make sure she is not bored.
I have always felt that parental involvement in my childrens' education is really key. I see so many parents sit back and just let whatever happens happen in the classroom. I am always needing to know what is going on and what is being learned. What more can be done. How I can help in the classroom. School is not just about dropping my daughter off and picking her up every day and education doesn't start and stop in the classroom. I have stopped and thought so many times of homeschooling, but I can't. There are social and life experiences I want my children to have that I can't give them. But I also don't want Calli to be held behind academically while her peers catch up. That's not fair to her and it doesn't do her any good in the long run. What is a mother to do?
It is a true feeling of helplessness to sit by and watch as the education system goes down the drain. I know I'm supposed to feel that "one person can make a difference" and "one vote really matters", but I have a hard time believing it. I don't think that anything I do could change anybody's mind about cutting funds for education. I'm sure I could join marches or write passionate letters to my leaders, but what good does it do? I am helpless. The only thing I can do is continue to be there for my daughter. To talk with her school leaders and possibly make a difference there. By getting her a retake on the GT test I feel I already have. And that makes me feel good.
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