I've been getting a good response from frustrated teachers to my column Sunday that pointed out the lack of science instruction in our public schools because of the emphasis on basic subjects. Here's one of the letters:
Dear Mr. Boren,
Your article reflects the thoughts of most elementary school teachers in this country and is the reason why many older teachers are retiring sooner rather than later.
No Child Left Behind is driving the curriculum. Mandatory minutes for reading, language arts and math are progammed into the day with an extra 30 minutes intervention in reading daily and extra 15 minutes extra for math. We were told to drop most science, social studies, art & music and even P.E. is neglected in favor of more prep for subjects tested on high stakes state tests. Even though our 5th graders are tested in science, the lower grades are discouraged from teaching it so there is little cumulative background knowledge being laid down. We used to have time to teach children how to write and appreciate poetry and enter creative writing contests. No more. We are told to focus all of our efforts on the lowest achievers and as a result we are leaving behind or short-changing our brightest and best.
I know this issue has been addressed by Bill Gates and his foundation -- that is, the lack of science knowledge specifically. Is there any way to start a grass-roots movement to bring this issue before our lawmakers and make them realize that what we are doing in the classrooms will serious impact us in the future if we neglect the potential scientists, artists, musicians, and social scientists sitting in our classrooms today?
Yours truly,
Carol Rasmussen
Retired 3rd Grade Teacher
Merced
I'm reminded of when former Secretary of Education Ron Paige's pet program, based on its success in Texas was revealed to be a fraud, they fudged the numbers and got caught.....not unlike Ohio 2004. I'm afraid the goal with this crowd is to raise children who are incapable of critical thinking.