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Re: Is this OT?



At 7:16 -0500 9/6/02, Rick Tarara wrote:

By themselves, of course not....but: We have to look at what the school
CAN DO to provide a safer, more attractive atmosphere for learning. There
are things that can be done--if the litigators will stay out of it--that
might help. Strict dress codes (which are easiest done with uniforms),
separation of the sexes (at least by classroom), all-year school,
residential schools, etc. are possibilities that might make a real
difference. These are all techniques that have been, and are being used in
various successful private schools--private schools to which people send
their children to AVOID public education.

Yes, there are some things that can be done to help make the schools
an "attractive atmosphere for learning" that do not involve the
questionable things you mention. Unfortunately, most of them cost
money, and, since we as a society don't much value education except
by lip-service, we will be loathe to spend the necessary money. But
nevertheless, here are some things, in no particular order: First,
repair or replace the buildings. So many of the inner city schools
have been allowed to sink into a state of disrepair that it has to be
depressing just to walk into them. Second, build new schools so that
the older ones can have reduced enrollments. Most of these schools
are so overcrowded now that it is almost impossible to govern them.
Smaller class sizes would be a big improvement, as well. Third, once
the buildings are repaired, or at least being repaired, turn the
buildings into community centers, where after school and weekend
activities that invite all the community to participate are
available. In other words, turn the schools into something that the
community values. If the community values it, it will take care of
it. Fourth, provide an alternative school setting (preferably outside
of the main community) for the incorrigible disrupters. Fifth, make
any necessary police presence on the campus as unobtrusive as
possible. If uniformed officers are deemed necessary, let them have
some duties other than just standing around looking menacing (this
will require some special training for the officers, but so be it).
Sixth, increase salaries for the teachers in these schools to the
point where it won't be a financial burden to work there, and provide
some incentives (like enticing working conditions and adequate
teaching materials, like textbooks and lab equipment) for senior
teachers to opt for those schools. And last (here's one that won't
cost a bundle) free the teachers from the deadening burden of
paperwork and regulations that govern their every move in the
classroom, from ordering pencils to going to the bathroom.

These things won't make the changes happen overnight, and they'll
cost money, but think of the savings in legal fees when you have
people like the ACLU on your side.

Hugh
--

Hugh Haskell
<mailto:haskell@ncssm.edu>
<mailto:hhaskell@mindspring.com>

(919) 467-7610

Let's face it. People use a Mac because they want to, Windows because they
have to..
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