Why does some quinoa float and most sink? Why does most popcorn pop but some doesn’t? Why does the can opener work just fine on one can and chew up the next? Why do you only cut yourself shaving when it is most inconvenient? How come some pistachios open and others don’t? I am sure there is some scientific reason but I think it is all a plot to mess with me.
Accept this truth: Life will never be fair or dependable.
We will always face the unexpected and the unplanned. It is a part of life. We need to get this across to a few people. One group that needs to learn this is the public schools.
When we talk about what is wrong with public schools we need to address the fact that the schools are full of nice people. Nice people. Yes, very nice people. They want to help. They want to make things right. They are nice but not wise.
Public educators live in the fantasy world of “You can save them all.” They refuse to accept the fact that if a child has decided they will not learn, they are not going to learn. You might, with herculean effort trick them for a short period but they are not stupid. The problem is that these children are putting their energy into avoiding education instead of gaining one. It is an attitude that will not be overcome.
Like popcorn, some will not pop. You can keep the heat up until they burn. You can leave them in the educational microwave until the smoke comes out. They will not pop. And if you have ever tried to pop all the kernels using a microwave you will find that you destroy all the good stuff that has already responded.
We need to separate the little nuts that refuse to crack. I don’t say give up, I say separate. Some will develop in their own time. Some will respond when they find out the free ride is over. Some will never get the message. That is on them, not on society or the teachers.
Remember the old adage, “You can’t make a silk purse from a sow’s ear.” I always like to add, “No, but you might make some great chicharrons.”
homo unius libri
All part of the "Chaos theory", or something like that. Some kids want to and some don't. I hated school and here I am a teacher. Can you beat that?
ReplyDeleteIt could be God's way of paying you back. If that is the case I have classes full of future teachers.
DeleteGrace and peace.