EDUCATED?
Normally, I write about education on Tuesdays, but hey, digression sometimes leads to wisdom.
Why did we not learn from the pandemic? Why do we not educate year-round? Why is education a right not a privilege?
Teaching during Covid-19 was hard; I am not denying that, but it also gave us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the nature of school and education and make some drastic changes.
Schools have notoriously been slow to adapt to any change, and by the time most changes are implemented the world and the educational landscape have altered making the progress moot.
Open classrooms, closed classrooms, smart boards, one-to-one, flipped classrooms, guide on the side vs. sage on the stage. Whatever the jargon or trend, the fundamental flaw is that these modifications are tailored to an outdated and flawed system.
Schools should not have a schedule in tune with anachronistic work practices. The school day is far too long and rooted in student supervision not in curiosity. School should be offered year-round, with most of the learning happening outside the classroom. The detractors from year-round schooling cite the need for a break, summer travel and camp, and tourism relying on teenage labor. I live outside of Myrtle Beach, I get it.
I also know that many families travel extensively during the school year regardless of the school calendar, that the summer slide is real, and that most teachers struggle to make it financially through a long summer unless they take on other work.
I also know that a handful of students who “don’t like school,” can sabotage an entire classroom full of eager and curious peers.
Why not have internships, work study, trade apprenticeships? Why not have school more closely resemble working life?
Why not evolve social clubs, and create a more supportive infrastructure to provide opportunities for kids of all ages who do not thrive in the current configuration of public schooling?
Why not change the structure of the school day/year and adjust how and what we teach to this “contemporary” learner.
We had an grand opportunity to revitalize education, and we did not take advantage of it. Why?
TWO PARTIES, NO PARTY
As stated in an earlier blog, I will not discuss politics or align my support with either party or specific candidates; however, I do have some general notions about our political system and the presidential race.
In a country filled with great business leaders, great thinkers, and a history of innovation, why do we only have two major political parties? Why not have all worthy candidates be given the same funding and coffers, so that money becomes a minimal factor in the selection of our leader. Why not create a longer presidential term and have a longer, more objective and more fruitful exploration of the state of the union and the major issues affecting it?
Secondly, why do we not have term limits in Congress? The term “representative,” was appropriately chosen by our forefathers. These learned folks were supposed to represent their constituents and the overall welfare of the country to the best of their ability. I am not sure this is occurring. The legislative arm of our government falls into the same pit as the presidency. Members of Congress are concerned about reelection, funding, and power, making them prey to persuasive lobbying and potential moral compromise.
More candidates, more discussion, more diversity. Why not?
THEATER OF PAIN
Why are Motley Crue still performing? I had the good fortune of seeing the Crue on their Theater of Pain tour which included Tommy Lee’ s suspended drum kit solo, and some solid tunes and energy.
Now, that have become a parody of themselves and a source of disparagement and ridicule. How many clips have you seen of a bloated Vince Neil incoherently mumbling through lyrics? How often has Nikki SIxx come under fire for not being able to play bass, relying on loops and backing tracks. Recently, Mick Mars has gone to war with the band, and his replacement John 5 has also been accused of relying on backing tracks.
Why not listen to “aging” bands that can still play and show superior chops: Big Head Todd or The Doobie Brothers come to mind. Why not listen to bands who do not get the notoriety for antics, but put on a great show? Blue October and Sister Hazel to name a few.
The Crue were a staple of hair metal, and the epitome of debauchery and revelry in their time, but their time is over.
Love and laughter.
P.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.