This I Believe
It seems most people in class use this opportunity to state that an important philosophy is that every student is entitled to an education. I agree, ofcourse, with that statement, but I think administrators and educational leaders should consider this:
I believe that everyone is entitled to an education, but in light of the budget crisis in New Jersey, the cutbacks in funding that districts face, I ask the question, when does the obligation to provide a public education to teenagers end?
I teach high school and witness what happens when students that have been given every opportunity to succeed do not take advantage of this right and become a "nuisance" to all the other students around them trying to learn. I believe elementary students, middle school students and students entering high school must be given every possible opportunity to take advantage of what their district has to offer. My gripe is that a teenager who is now 17 or 18, who cuts classes, continuously is suspended for violating school rules, and does not perform in class is still treated as a normal everyday student with rights.
I think educational leaders should explore how, legally, a solution to this problem could be implemented. For example, in Europe students are able to leave school at 16 and seek alternative ways to better themselves if the class setting does not work for them. In this county, the cost to taxpayers for public education is so high that I believe a system should be put in place to give 17 year olds and older an opportunity to sign out of public school and be trained in some other type of trade where they may be more successful. I realize that there are vocational schools for this purpose, but students that are not motivated will not sign up for a vocational school. A good idea would be to make a law that evaulates these non performing students and allow them the option of either going into a training program, or leaving school and getting a job. This may sound harsh, but I believe this type of program would deter borderline students from becoming a nuisance in school and giving them the extra push to graduate in a timely manner.
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6 comments:
I agree with the idea for a new law similar to the one you mentioned is in place in some European countries but part of me thinks that just perpetuates the society fulfillment prophecy. Why put all the blame on these students? These nuisances? By the time they reach 16 or 17, sure they're going to be disheartened by their education. They've probably just spent 14 years in a school system that doesn't treat them with respect, that pushes them along like a number, that doesn't have the proper funding to support them with good resources and provide them with teachers willing to stick it out more than a few years (I'm referring to our urban school districts). And this is no fault to the district, it's as you stated the funding crisis in NJ. So when they hit their teen years, we just give up on them? I don't think that's what you're saying but it's sorta implied. Who's to say they'll miraculously put their trust in the other training program? I just wonder if htere is a better solution?
You gave me much to think about here.
On one hand, we trust that teenagers will make the most of opportunities they are given....but at what age does one become "mature" enough to make that decision for themselves. (Hence rights)
I think if our system were structured where you could leave...but then come back until say, age 25, you'd probably have older, more motivated learners in high school.
I agree with you that many teenagers take their education for granted, we probably did the same thing when we were in high school. I know I never really thought about how hard my teachers were working or the fact that they were stressing out about how I did on some state test, however I was never a problem child or caused my teachers any problems. But the students that were always in trouble were always the kids that had so much more going on in their lives. They never had any support at home or anyone that really cared about them. Many times they had very sad situations at home. I truly believe this is why they were so bad in school. They just wanted attention, even if it was negative. As educators it is our responsbility to try and reach these kids, even though it is a very challenging job. I am sure you inspire more students than you think you do already. Try not to get overwhelmed with a few kids that don't appreciate your efforts.
Dear Alice,
Your post was very thought provoking. I think that deciding what to do with students who are not interested in their own education and who abuse the education system in the ways that you mentioned is a very important issue. We need to research why these students are not interested in their education. My opinion is that students who lose interest in their education often do not see the purpose in it. I also feel that teenagers act the way that they do because of their maturity level. Many do not realize the value of a quality education. It is our job as teachers or as administrators to point these students in the right direction. In your post, it sounds as if you are implying that we find a way to give up on these students to save taxpayers money. If this is a point that you are making, then I disagree with it very strongly.
However, I do think that we should put more emphasis on technical schools. Students who know that they want to enter a certain trade should have the opportunity to pursue that trade at an early age. Even though technical schools are an option now, I feel that they are not given the respect that they deserve. People have the misconception that only the “bad” students go to these schools. This is not necessarily true. For example, one of my best students attends Paramus Technical School for half the day. He knows that he wants to be an auto mechanic. Why aren’t we encouraging more bright students to follow a similar path? I feel that technical schools make more sense than traditional American schools for many students.
Sincerely,
Marc Vogel
I think Marc's comment that technical schools are a great alternative for these students is a good point.
I understand many of the students have problems at home, maturing issues, etc. but my point was that if a kid reaches 17 or 18, and EVERY possible effort has been made to educate them and he/she does not want to be in the school system, there should be an alternative for the student such as a technical school or a work program. Think of all the time the student is wasting sitting around a high school not doing anything. Some of these students are adults! As for saving taxpayers money, that is not the goal here, but rather, it would be a win win situation for the taxpayers and the students if an alternative outlet was created.
High School has so many challenges already and to have to be constantly interrupted by practically an adult should not occur. I agree those students should be given other opportunities. We try to drill in their heads daily how it's important to educate yourself and they still don't take heed to the warning. They say "All children will learn." The question is how? Where? and who decides?
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