NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND
SEPTEMBER 10, 2005
DIAGNOSIS ADD ADHD Now What?
Published 10th, 20th & 30th of each month -- USUALLY
** PLEASE SEE DISCLAIMER AT THE END OF THIS DOCUMENT! **
I received this email from the spouse of an educator. (Edited for length) BJ
BJ,
Here's another article regarding, not only the No Child program but the educational system across the country, in general. (link is below -- BJ)
He's writing about things that people, who are even within ear-shot of the educational system, have known for years: A Bachelor of Something degree is viewed by business like a high school diploma was viewed 30 years ago. You have to have it just to have a professional job - - let alone, have any hope for advancement.
The schools have to have dedicated, better paid teachers. Low pay keeps the high achievers away or at least looking for better employment somewhere else. There's lots of lip service about hiring and paying for good quality teachers - - but there's little or no action to make it happen.
Low income students are from low income families because the parents did not have the support to get a good education and, therefore, a good paying job. Consequently, the parents don't or can't help their kids to understand and promote what a good education will get them. That further enables the ongoing cycle of little or no education = a low paying job which = the continuing attitude toward / away from getting a better education. It's a self-supporting downward / level cycle of continuation.
The pain level hasn't risen high enough, in the country, to stimulate a serious movement in the communities to do something serious about their educational programs. Simply legislating some program (i.e. No Child) won't do it because the communities haven't been allowed to buy into the idea - it's been forced on them and, evidently, without sufficient funds to support it. The Feds need to butt out!
Now, if there was (like the article says) an Olympic event based on competition between students of this country and students of other countries, we would see an advancement of the education program like hasn't been seen in the history of the world! So, as soon as the pain level rises (being embarrassed at an Olympic event would do it - at least for a short time), then we'd see some changes. Of course, we'd have to be embarrassed about every 5 to 7 years because that's about how long the cumulative short-term memory of society is - - and we'd need to be continually reminded. The country is plagued with ADD, as a society, and we're easily distracted unless shocked back into reality. Of course, there is always the danger that our society would, eventually, get so accustomed to being embarrassed that we'd decide that we don't care anymore. Then we'd have to find another way to elevate the motivational level once again. Maybe, if the pressure was held on, long enough, the kids, who would be the beneficiaries of the elevated program, would get old enough to become in charge and would carry on the program. That would take about 30 to 40 years of holding the pressure on. Otherwise, the spring-back effect would take us back to where we started.
So, what are we talking about here? ATTITUDE. It's all about attitude and making choices about what's going to be done and how we're going to do it - - or even if we're going to do it. Attitude is why teaching adults is easier than teaching kids. If the adults are in class, it's because they know that their future is dependant on getting that education. Kids don't know that. For a kid, the future is what game are we going to play at recess, today. Or maybe doing something fun right after school (school is keeping him/her from having that fun - therefore school is evil). There's that attitude thing, again.
You know, you can learn a lot by watching a puppy. At 3 months, a dog is a lot like an elementary school-aged kid. Everything is about fun and playing. She's more than willing to learn about stuff - - as long as it's fun or leads to having fun. Now, I'm not saying that having fun is bad - oh no. But fun is not an item on the bottom row of Maslow's Pyramid of Needs. You don't really figure that out until you get older. As long as kids have their primary needs filled, having fun is what's important.
Oh,yeah - - - Almost forgot- -http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/29/opinion/29herbert.html
Mike
IT'S YOUR CHOICE
Think about it!!
DISCLAIMER
This information is for educational purposes only. Much of the information is from classes and workshops I’ve taken during my 33 years of working with ADD & ADHD students – sprinkled with my own comments, thoughts and insights.
Some information has been acquired from the INTERNET. Be aware that not all information on the WWW is accurate. Use your own judgment.
This information is not intended to replace information from your doctor, therapist, lawyer, psychologist, nutritionist or psychiatrist. Consult your child’s (or your own) doctor for additional input
Editor: BJ Madewell
Wichita, KS area
316-733-9532 Leave a message, I WILL call you back!
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BJ Madewell
