Tag Archive for student

How to Hurt a Vulnerable Child

An 8th grade girl in Rockdale Co., Georgia, received a trophy.  Her classmates voted her “most likely to ask a question that has already been answered,” and the school included in its class trophies one for her saying “most likely ‘to not pay attention’.”  All the trophies, including this one, were presented to the students at a school assembly.

Two teachers will not return to work there next year because of it. The girl’s mother was incensed.  Any parent or friend of a vulnerable child would be horrified.  Why?  Because the girl has ADHD.

This was not just insensitive but also cruel.  I hope the replacement teachers take the time to understand ADHD and that the school adopts a policy to educate its students and staff on all disabilities.

School Boards, 9th Graders, & Sex

School boards can be so dumb!  If you’re not from California you may not have seen this on the news.  The Fremont, CA School Board has delayed the adoption of a 9th grade text that they’d previously approved of.  It’s a new health book, called Your Health Today.  What’s wrong?  Is it because it was difficult reading, having been written for college kids, not 9th graders?  No.  Is it because it’s too expensive?  Apparently not.

The problem is the sex education chapter.  It discusses pornography, bondage, prostitution, sex toys, and the like.  Didn’t anyone on the Board read the thing before deciding it was good for those young students?!  Mmmmmm…..

Anyway, I have a solution.  Keep the books and just tell the kids that they’re forbidden from reading that chapter.  And have the parents do the same thing.  After many years as a high school teacher and parent, I’m SURE that will work!

Oh, and tell the kids that other chapters are being considered for the ban, as well.  That way most of the kids will read most of the book and think they’re getting away with something.

Our Kids are Sinking Financially

 Young adults have lost TWO-THIRDS OF THEIR NET WORTH since 1984.

21- to 35-year-olds: Your median net worth has dropped 68% since 1984. It’s now less than $4,000.

That $4,000 has to pay for student loans that average $27,200 [and are skyrocketing]. Or, if you’re still in school, for $12,700 in credit card debt.

With an unemployment rate for 16- to 24-year-olds of almost 50%, two out of every five recent college graduates are living with their parents. But your favorite company may be hiring. Apple, which makes a profit of $420,000 per employee, can pay you about $12 per hour.

–Paul Buchheit, Common Dreams, 11/19/12