Strangers to the GED often think that I’m thick skinned. They can’t seem to get a rise out of me with their jokes about the skills of drop outs and GED graduates. I don’t have much to say to people who think that education is a joke. Or believe education exists in today’s public schools. There are some inner-city schools where survival is more important than education. Where even teachers who want to return home have learned to leave the students alone!

To many students, a teacher is that adult in the front of the classroom who gives out meaningless busy work. The teacher is probably thinking when do I get to teach and see the light bulbs come on. So why are both dysfunctional? I think it’s because they aren’t sharing the same space. Sure they’re all in the same classroom but not in the same social space. Between gangs, parents, and the social life of the neighborhood kids aren’t ready to get with school if they can avoid it. Those at the bottom of the pecking order are trying not to be noticed by those at the top.

Teachers are distracted by millions of surveys, meetings, discipline and trying not to get knifed or shot by the little darlings in their classrooms. Not only are teachers expected to teach but they’re:

Expected to do it for free or little to nothing. Not to take time for a family life. Teaching kids what their parents should have. Solving the gang violence problem in the classroom. Expected to make the children learn. The reason your self-certified genius failed school this year. Teaching because they couldn’t do anything else.

Add to the mix school administrator’s who may never have been in the classroom or can’t teach in the classroom. A school board that will never see inside a classroom or a struggling student. They typically wouldn’t recognize a teaching environment not described in the NEA handout for school boards. Stir this to a lumpy consistency of what the h..l is this supposed to do?

Businesses and colleges get the end product which is focused on itself. The “Me” generation around whom the universe revolves. My life is too important to be interrupted by education. “What do you mean I have to keep my mouth shut? Why do I have to know that?”

So the magic solution is?

The state and school boards knows what is to be taught. The state tests to find schools not teaching effectively or the curriculum. These schools get the teachers and resources they need! Principals are solving the problems and informing the school board before the current school year is up. Teachers are teaching what works getting the students to pass curriculum tests and performance goals. Parents are providing disciplined children. If not, paying fines or going to jail. Schools are too expensive to become daycare centers. Help for parents to provide resources their children need for their education is available and offered. Children are mentored, they have the right not to fear for their life. They will be heard and in turn must listen. They will learn, acquire test skills and grow to do many new and strange things. Students will see the real world. Inside of jails, emergency rooms, pregnant teenagers, corporations, police cars, and even talk to political leaders. History of this nation will be taught not white washed. Schools are not social incubators or laboratories for liberals viewpoints

If parents want their students to be taught more; then provide the resources. Allow teachers to go out in public and solicit the resources they need. Let them have some TV time to show what’s going or is a problem.

I want schools to have access for their students by the Internet and virtual teaching classrooms staffed by interns and teachers. Online education is a practical reality for more students every day. Schools must deal with it and use it. Yes, this means that PC’s will have to be available for students . Either privately or publicly owned.

Let’s raise our expectations for our students above the level of “Beavis and Butthead.” That we live in a republic not a democracy! As citizens we reserve the right to change our cities and leaders as we see fit. Not as a czar sees fit. We may not always get what we want or even what we deserve but we should be able to try and better ourselves. Justice is not in the courtroom but in the hands of responsible citizens.

NO Judge, lawyer, policeman, or politician is responsible for my rights. I should not have so many that I can’t keep track of them! By George we are expected to be able to read, write, find a job and just maybe think.