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One Nation Left Behind

"One Nation Left Behind" Campaign

copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

Without a good education, children are left behind. Americans understand this. Yet, most do not acknowledge, in the United States, very few young persons receive quality instruction. American children do not learn to think critically, creatively, or comprehensively in comparison to those in other countries. Even students enrolled in excellent schools do not excel as children elsewhere do. Internationally, the information published in a 2002, United Nations Children’s Fund, [UNICEF] study exposed a frightening truth; America pupils and schools receive poor grades when student performance and instruction are assessed. Today, the American education system remains at risk. As a recent report reinforces, today as we observe our offspring, we must consider the necessity of change. It is time to make Tough Choices (in these) Tough Times. This nation, left behind, must commit to teach our children well.

School Shootings; Standards Kill Students and Society

The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). The Whole Child

copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

Each moment we live never was before and will never be again. And yet what we teach children in school is 2 + 2 = 4 and Paris is the capital of France. What we should be teaching them is what they are. We should be saying: “Do you know what you are? You are a marvel. You are unique. In all the world, there is no other child exactly like you. In the millions of years that have passed, there has never been another child exactly like you. You may become a Shakespeare, a Michelangelo, a Beethoven. You have the capacity for anything. Yes, you are a marvel.” ~ Pablo Casals [Cello player, Conductor 1876 - 1973]

School shootings are in the news. Throughout America, adults express concern. Are the children safe when in a classroom. Repeated rounds of ammunition affirm, they are not. Some say times have changed. There seems to be a consensus,; we must secure our campuses, Solutions are standard. Society must protect the young. Few think it possible to prevent another occurrence or attack. Let us examine the whole situation, the whole of our children. Perchance, the problem is not as it appears.

A Climate of Fear Permeates; Morton High School Students Protest

Climate of Fear

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

"The tragedy of our day is the climate of fear in which we live and fear breeds repression. Too often, sinister threats to the Bill of Rights, to freedom of the mind are concealed under the patriotic cloak of anti-Communism [terrorism, nationalism, or compassionate Conservatism.] It's far easier to fight for principles than to live up to them." ~ Adlai Stevenson. 1952 [Governor of Illinois, Democratic presidential candidate]

It was a quiet day in America; yet, the feeling of fear was palpable. Oceans away, in Baghdad, the air was filled with the smell of napalm. Frightened, as the young contemplated their future, seventy some courageous and committed students filed into the Morton West High School cafeteria in Berwyn, Illinois. Trepidation for their lives, and the lives of friends, family, and those innocent Iraqi citizens they never met prompted these pupils to take action. The young and eligible enlistees protested the war in Iraq.

Exit Exams, High School Dropouts; Cause and Effect

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

In California, students are crushed by the weight of exit exams. Some feel defeated. After numerous failures on test after test, pupils presume, rather than make another attempt, it is best to just dropout. In 2006, 24,000 high school seniors dropped out, about 10,000 more than just four years earlier.

Please also peruse Dropout Nation; Communities Can Cure The Silent Student Epidemic. The causes and effects of "dropping out" are explored in greater detail in that treatise.

No Child Left Behind Leaves Children Behind

HEY YOU - help leave no child behind, really!

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

A parent profoundly effected by property taxes and academic programs that teach to tests, decided to speak about a societal dilemma that has long haunted Americans. A mother or father enlisted the help of their very bright son. He or she enrolled the child in the political process and submitted a question for state and national politicians. Perhaps, only a youngster can truly speak to the issues that effect our future. Perchance, the sweet face of child can melt hearts hardened by budgets, years of chasing the almighty dollar, and no sense [cents?] Leonard Hornbach says to Presidential hopefuls and the Governor of Florida, Hey you, help leave no child behind, really!

Students, Schools, Society; When We Pass, We Fail the Whole

Please view Visual and Musical Ode: Whole Child Education

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

Educators today learn more than they teach. However, often the lessons are as is the curriculum, limited in scope. A Math instructor tells his tale, and again the sum of the parts do not express the "whole". At the High School of Arts and Technology in Manhattan, instructor Austin Lampros received a lesson he never expected, poor, underperforming students can slide through the system more easily than a well-educated diligent instructor might. Indeed, the circumstances of pupils are perceived as special; mentors are incidental. This realization struck Mister Lampros as strange, or as the New York Times reported, A Teacher Grows Disillusioned After a ‘Fail’ Becomes a ‘Pass.’ Ultimately, this much esteemed Math guru left his position at the High School of Arts and Technology in Manhattan after a "disastrous year"

States Satisfy No Child Law; Proficiency Standards Are Lowered

Cafferty on All the children left behind

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

Days ago the news reports were filled with images and icons. Illusions and delusions were delivered to an expectant public. Paris Hilton appeared on every screen. Cable, network, and local stations covered her body and her burgeoning tensions. She is in jail. She is legally out of prison. The hotel heiress is partying at home or piteous in court. America was fixated. People pondered; wresting with facts and figures all pertaining to Paris.

Most, mired in the misery of this young celebrity missed a discussion relating to another false impression, American students are achieving. Uniform standards are in place in our nation's schools. Pupils are performing. States and Districts accountable. Actually, according to The New York Times, "States Found to Vary Widely on Education.

Policymakers Applaud Marginal Gains on History Test

Sec. Spellings admits lacks of educational credentials. YouTube.com.

© copyright 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

Quick, answer these questions. You are being timed. However, do not feel pressured. Do the best that you can. Our school literally depends on you. Your performance on these examinations will determine whether our district or this facility receives Federal funding. Do not open your test booklet until I tell you to do so. When you are finished, close the pamphlet, put your pencil down, and sit quietly. You may begin.The voyages of Columbus changed life in Europe by . . .
A) introducing new foods and spices to Europe
B) showing Europeans a shorter route to Asia
C) introducing the horse to Spain
D) proving that the Earth was flat

Teachers Work For Salaries or Students

Taylor Mali on what teachers make. YouTube.

© copyright 2007 Betsy L. Angert

You have heard it said, perhaps you uttered the statements. "I want to be a teacher and work only ten months a year." "I want a career that allows me to leave the "office" at 3 in the afternoon." "Those that can do; those that cannot teach." Some think, the job of an educator is a simple task. There are no challenges. The time spent on campus is short and sweet. Yet, studies show that individuals are leaving the profession in mass. According to the Washington Post half of new teachers quit within five years.

Children and Schools Are Left Behind. No Dentist Languish.

© copyright 2007 Betsy L. Angert

It is possible to store the mind with a million facts and still be entirely uneducated.
~ Alec Bourne [Educator]

Two years ago, in Literacy and The Bush Legacy I penned this proposition.

Our current President considers himself a champion in the arena of education. He believes that his program, "No Child Left Behind," is the shining light of his career.

Today, George W. Bush continues on his quest towards dimming the naturally brilliant minds of our progeny minds. The President proposes we renew the education law.

George W. Bush thinks teaching to the test is wise. Mister Bush believes innovation, imagination, and invention are unnecessary in a classroom. Students must be accountable. Schools must teach core competencies in their curriculum. According to the President, our children can only achieve excellence if the standards are high. We must reward success and sanction failure.