Whenever a child tells you that they want to become a professional athlete, singer or billionaire, we always ask, do you have something to fall back on? We would hate for a child to have a lavish dream or goal. Why would a child select something that only 1 in 50,000 possibly achieve? Kids should be more realistic and set a goal that is within their reach.
I wonder...what is the Plan B for all the students we put on a college track knowing they don't have the ability or resources? How will they support themselves when graduation comes and they awake with no skills to earn a living? We have no problem assassinating a child's dream when they reach outside the box, but have no qualms about selling them our nightmare.
We can't all compete in the Olympics, practice medicine or rap. One size does not fit all. We must make those tough, sincere and realistic choices. At some point a child must be pointed in a direction that will prove successful and profitable. If they wake up and choose something different for themselves, everyone has the right to change their mind. It's the same change every student who is not going to college makes after they have invested 13 years in a college prep curriculum but want to join the yacht industry.
Every wonder how much money someone can make repairing yachts, or plumbing? How much did you pay the last time your car needed to be repaired. I bet it was more than you paid your doctor.
Don't be a dream assassin!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
The Three Amigos
This week during church, Pastor Troy(yeah, there's also a rapper named Pastor Troy) spoke about the three different types of people. Until you know about these people, you won't know who is surrounding you.
The ones who "use you": I think that's fairly self-explanatory, so I won't even waste any more words.
The ones who are "for you": The person who is for you will cheer you on and be one of your top supporters. Though they are a supporter, they have no vested interest in you and will turn on you in a second. You can also call them the "fair weather fan". When things are great, they are behind you 100%. The second you say or do something that they disapprove of...the fans are gone.
The ones who are "with you": This person is in your corner and laughs when you laugh, they cry when you cry and are invested in you. The difference between those who are "with you" and those who are "for you" is measured in the level of commitment. Pastor Troy explained commitment in a very clever way once. He spoke about the pig and chicken. When you eat breakfast, you eat bacon and eggs. The chicken contributes the eggs, but the pig gives his life for the bacon. The difference lies in the level of commitment.
Take some time to look around you and identify those who either "use you", are "for you" or are truly "with you".
The ones who "use you": I think that's fairly self-explanatory, so I won't even waste any more words.
The ones who are "for you": The person who is for you will cheer you on and be one of your top supporters. Though they are a supporter, they have no vested interest in you and will turn on you in a second. You can also call them the "fair weather fan". When things are great, they are behind you 100%. The second you say or do something that they disapprove of...the fans are gone.
The ones who are "with you": This person is in your corner and laughs when you laugh, they cry when you cry and are invested in you. The difference between those who are "with you" and those who are "for you" is measured in the level of commitment. Pastor Troy explained commitment in a very clever way once. He spoke about the pig and chicken. When you eat breakfast, you eat bacon and eggs. The chicken contributes the eggs, but the pig gives his life for the bacon. The difference lies in the level of commitment.
Take some time to look around you and identify those who either "use you", are "for you" or are truly "with you".
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Find My Way
I am struck by a puzzling reality. How will a student find their way or find an interest when they never gain any exposures. Students who are low in reading or math must take 2 reading and 2 math classes. These don't replace their regular English coursework. With such a course load, when will they find their way and meet that elective teacher or have the aha experience so necessary for future growth. When will they try something new and gain a liking for it and pursue it during the post-secondary studies. Maybe it's the woodworking, automotive, computer, or myriad of other vocational courses that they will never experience.
Each day, I see the hundreds of students who are forever destined for failure. A lifelong failure, one that academics cannot reverse. Our students are wasting their most productive and exploratory years worrying about a single standardized test. A test that does little to boost or predict future academic success.
Let's take a tour of a hospital, factory or college; or will we miss FCAT practice time. We are creating a generation of students who will be lost and forever without a direction or purpose.
I truly believe we are not helping students find their way. The longer we focus all our attention on a test that does little to predict college readiness or success, the farther behind our students will fall. The ones the need the most direction and career guidance, get the least, because all their coursework is focused on a infinitely minute bulls-eye.
Each day, I see the hundreds of students who are forever destined for failure. A lifelong failure, one that academics cannot reverse. Our students are wasting their most productive and exploratory years worrying about a single standardized test. A test that does little to boost or predict future academic success.
Let's take a tour of a hospital, factory or college; or will we miss FCAT practice time. We are creating a generation of students who will be lost and forever without a direction or purpose.
I truly believe we are not helping students find their way. The longer we focus all our attention on a test that does little to predict college readiness or success, the farther behind our students will fall. The ones the need the most direction and career guidance, get the least, because all their coursework is focused on a infinitely minute bulls-eye.
Friday, February 6, 2009
All aboard
Ever been up the down escalator? Seems pretty futile, but that's how I feel everyday the bell rings and the school day ends.
Everyday the bell rings to end school and the children are sent home. Sent to a cold, dark and non-nurturing environment. Many have to fend for themselves because mom or dad is working late. Many have to fend for themselves because there is no mom or dad at home. Many have to take care of a sibling while mom and dad are working, or mom and dad just want to put the responsibility on the child. I enjoyed my childhood, because my mother told me that my job was going to school and getting good grades.
Everyday the bell rings to end school and children are sent home. Sent home to violence. Sent home to a community that teaches values of the street, not the suite. Sent home with a mean look on their face, because a smile means you're soft. We teach students skills that would get them hurt in the streets. It's fine to say sorry, please, thank you, and excuse me, while at school. Unfortunately, many of these same skills that are welcomed in mainstreet are discouraged in MLK boulevard.
Everyday the bell rings to end school and children are sent home. One day they won't have to go home to the empty house or the rough streets. One day, they'll go home with me. They'll go home to the dorms of my boarding school. A school that will nurture all the behaviors that truly lead to success in the suites, not the streets. I would staff my boarding house with college grads who cannot afford to buy a house or pay rent. There would also be veteran teachers who want to dedicate themselves to a great cause.
Each day, students would receive intense life building, study, communication, and career building skills. The onsite social worker and psychologist would assist with behavioral issues. Since I'm a realist, I know my utopia will have its share of problems. Students would be able to go home after school Friday and return by 3 pm Sunday.
I can't tell you how many times parents have come to the school after the child was involved in a fight, and tell me; "If a bitch touch you, whoop a bitch ass."
Everyday the bell rings to end school and the children are sent home. Sent to a cold, dark and non-nurturing environment. Many have to fend for themselves because mom or dad is working late. Many have to fend for themselves because there is no mom or dad at home. Many have to take care of a sibling while mom and dad are working, or mom and dad just want to put the responsibility on the child. I enjoyed my childhood, because my mother told me that my job was going to school and getting good grades.
Everyday the bell rings to end school and children are sent home. Sent home to violence. Sent home to a community that teaches values of the street, not the suite. Sent home with a mean look on their face, because a smile means you're soft. We teach students skills that would get them hurt in the streets. It's fine to say sorry, please, thank you, and excuse me, while at school. Unfortunately, many of these same skills that are welcomed in mainstreet are discouraged in MLK boulevard.
Everyday the bell rings to end school and children are sent home. One day they won't have to go home to the empty house or the rough streets. One day, they'll go home with me. They'll go home to the dorms of my boarding school. A school that will nurture all the behaviors that truly lead to success in the suites, not the streets. I would staff my boarding house with college grads who cannot afford to buy a house or pay rent. There would also be veteran teachers who want to dedicate themselves to a great cause.
Each day, students would receive intense life building, study, communication, and career building skills. The onsite social worker and psychologist would assist with behavioral issues. Since I'm a realist, I know my utopia will have its share of problems. Students would be able to go home after school Friday and return by 3 pm Sunday.
I can't tell you how many times parents have come to the school after the child was involved in a fight, and tell me; "If a bitch touch you, whoop a bitch ass."
Mend the chain
Two weeks ago, I went to my 95 year old uncle's funeral. During the eulogy, well it was actually a sermon preached by my cousin, I became both sad and proud. Other family members and friends were talking about the past and remembering the good times. As time past, many stories seemed to create links and draw me limbs on the family tree.
This was the part that made me sad and proud at the same time. First the pride..
I am so proud of the accomplishment and roots of my family. I am so proud that I can draw the tree and connect many of the branches. I am proud that my family has valued "family". I know what profession my father and mother had. My first name, Allan, was my grandfather's name. Six men in my family are named Allan. George, my middle name, is my father's name. Shervington, my other middle name, is my great-grand mother's maiden name. Other members of my family are also named Shervington. As far as I know, my mother's maiden name Jacobs come from our Jewish roots. According to tale, my great-grandfather was a Jewish and married my great grandmother who was from Antigua. Oh, Annie Shervington was her name. That's were the shervington comes from and also Anna, which is my cousin's name.
The web of family is important. At least it is to my family. I could continue with the family tree and all the relationships, but the sad part is why I'm writing this blog.
The sad part....
As an educator in an urban high school, I talk to kids everyday who have no relationship with one of their parents, any of their parents or don't know that parent at all. I almost never assume that a parent's last name is the same as the child. I almost never assume that both parents live in the home.
Children today have issues that we can't begin to comprehend. They look to us for love, belonging and stability. So many children yearn for caring and a parental figure in their everyday life. Many of them are very angry and at it out every single day. If one of my parents didn't care enough to love me, stay with me or be in my life, my anger would consume every interaction.
How would you feel is you had no clue who your father was? Just think about that question. That thought consumes me and my heart goes out to all those who didn't have the support I had. My heart bleeds for those who ache, cry, scream, and yearn for the love and caring that only a teacher or staff member can give.
As usual, I just stop typing mid-thought, before the rambling really gets bad.
This was the part that made me sad and proud at the same time. First the pride..
I am so proud of the accomplishment and roots of my family. I am so proud that I can draw the tree and connect many of the branches. I am proud that my family has valued "family". I know what profession my father and mother had. My first name, Allan, was my grandfather's name. Six men in my family are named Allan. George, my middle name, is my father's name. Shervington, my other middle name, is my great-grand mother's maiden name. Other members of my family are also named Shervington. As far as I know, my mother's maiden name Jacobs come from our Jewish roots. According to tale, my great-grandfather was a Jewish and married my great grandmother who was from Antigua. Oh, Annie Shervington was her name. That's were the shervington comes from and also Anna, which is my cousin's name.
The web of family is important. At least it is to my family. I could continue with the family tree and all the relationships, but the sad part is why I'm writing this blog.
The sad part....
As an educator in an urban high school, I talk to kids everyday who have no relationship with one of their parents, any of their parents or don't know that parent at all. I almost never assume that a parent's last name is the same as the child. I almost never assume that both parents live in the home.
Children today have issues that we can't begin to comprehend. They look to us for love, belonging and stability. So many children yearn for caring and a parental figure in their everyday life. Many of them are very angry and at it out every single day. If one of my parents didn't care enough to love me, stay with me or be in my life, my anger would consume every interaction.
How would you feel is you had no clue who your father was? Just think about that question. That thought consumes me and my heart goes out to all those who didn't have the support I had. My heart bleeds for those who ache, cry, scream, and yearn for the love and caring that only a teacher or staff member can give.
As usual, I just stop typing mid-thought, before the rambling really gets bad.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
The Longest Mile
I was asked a very important question today and I'm going to partially answer it here. A colleague, a business partner and I had lunch today. During lunch, the conversation turned to education and ways to correct the current system. I remarked that correcting the system would involve a complete curriculum overhaul. Obviously, I had to clarify my position.
Often, when asked a complicated question, I use an analogy to paint a clear picture. At that time I used the 1 to 100 example that is contained in a past blog entry. After further thought, I refined my message and will use the new example, "The longest mile."
The longest mile I will refer to for the remainder of this entry is a marathon. If we think about education as a marathon, there are several directions one can take. Let's first look at the American marathon runner or the race I will call education. In this country, we expect everyone to run the 26 mile race and finish, whether we have the proper training or not. We must run the race, whether we are good runners or not. We must run the race and finish like all the others.
Everyone will be judged by the same measuring stick. In reality, some will never finish the race and others will take hours, if not days. Some will finish in average time and a few will complete the race in record time. Naturally, the runners who trained for the race with a competent coach have a great advantage. Also, those with the natural gift of running the race may perform just fine.
If we create an education system which prides itself on bringing everyone through the finish line, or focus will be distance and not the race. Ask yourself some questions. Is it better to finish first or finish the race? Are you less capable for finishing 10th rather than 4th?
Competition, capitalism and survival of the fittest all subscribe to the same philosophical core. Someone has to been second or last. Someone will be left behind. Everybody cannot achieve or compete at the same level. The American system does its best to "weed-out" the weak and bring the "cream to the top."
I hope that all makes some sense. I don't plan on proofreading or editing. I'm done. Maybe one day I'll revisit and clarify my points.
Often, when asked a complicated question, I use an analogy to paint a clear picture. At that time I used the 1 to 100 example that is contained in a past blog entry. After further thought, I refined my message and will use the new example, "The longest mile."
The longest mile I will refer to for the remainder of this entry is a marathon. If we think about education as a marathon, there are several directions one can take. Let's first look at the American marathon runner or the race I will call education. In this country, we expect everyone to run the 26 mile race and finish, whether we have the proper training or not. We must run the race, whether we are good runners or not. We must run the race and finish like all the others.
Everyone will be judged by the same measuring stick. In reality, some will never finish the race and others will take hours, if not days. Some will finish in average time and a few will complete the race in record time. Naturally, the runners who trained for the race with a competent coach have a great advantage. Also, those with the natural gift of running the race may perform just fine.
If we create an education system which prides itself on bringing everyone through the finish line, or focus will be distance and not the race. Ask yourself some questions. Is it better to finish first or finish the race? Are you less capable for finishing 10th rather than 4th?
Competition, capitalism and survival of the fittest all subscribe to the same philosophical core. Someone has to been second or last. Someone will be left behind. Everybody cannot achieve or compete at the same level. The American system does its best to "weed-out" the weak and bring the "cream to the top."
I hope that all makes some sense. I don't plan on proofreading or editing. I'm done. Maybe one day I'll revisit and clarify my points.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
From left field
Why from left field? Well that's how it feels when someone gives you a compliment that you neither solicited or expected.
While walking through the hallway, "the scholar" asked; "are you ever going to become a principal?" Such a question from your parents or best friend isn't out of the ordinary. From a colleague whom you speak to on a passing basis, now that's from left field.
I am still touched that someone sees something in me that I may not see in myself. What interactions shaped "the scholars" perception? Was is something I did or didn't do? Or, are things so bad that my relative effectiveness makes me the cream that rises?
"The scholar" is too smart and intuitive for such simple analysis. I really value that opinion and place it in my emotional and professional bank account for later withdrawal. Should I ever need to pick myself up or reassure myself, I can reflect on that very moment. In our internet laden and social networking society, where few people have time for face-to-face conversations, it's a blessing to hear such kind and perceptive words. My Thanksgiving came early.
"Scholar", you'll never truly know how those few but power words lifted me and inspired me. My father was the assistant chief of education in Jamaica and it seems no matter how I try to deny my destiny, fate and God's will, will never allow me to settle. Powerful are the words that are sincere and hold no motives.
Thank you.
While walking through the hallway, "the scholar" asked; "are you ever going to become a principal?" Such a question from your parents or best friend isn't out of the ordinary. From a colleague whom you speak to on a passing basis, now that's from left field.
I am still touched that someone sees something in me that I may not see in myself. What interactions shaped "the scholars" perception? Was is something I did or didn't do? Or, are things so bad that my relative effectiveness makes me the cream that rises?
"The scholar" is too smart and intuitive for such simple analysis. I really value that opinion and place it in my emotional and professional bank account for later withdrawal. Should I ever need to pick myself up or reassure myself, I can reflect on that very moment. In our internet laden and social networking society, where few people have time for face-to-face conversations, it's a blessing to hear such kind and perceptive words. My Thanksgiving came early.
"Scholar", you'll never truly know how those few but power words lifted me and inspired me. My father was the assistant chief of education in Jamaica and it seems no matter how I try to deny my destiny, fate and God's will, will never allow me to settle. Powerful are the words that are sincere and hold no motives.
Thank you.
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