The Power of Students and their Teachers

Kids, Music, and acting out

I don't know what the hell is going on with kids or teens today and the music they are listing to. I am a musician for 29 years making money performing for 23 years and I never let any song or lyric influence me in thinking about killing , doing drugs,drinking, or attempting suicide or what ever the hell is going on at that period in my life no matter what my age was. I have played in a heavy medal band in 1987-88 and it was heavy with a hardcore following as well as the members of the band. Again no bad thoughts . I GUESS i am angry with this last incident that occurred this week with that student from Ohio, and when I was reading the headlines the article said he was influenced be the music of Marilin Manson? "WHAT THE F--- he is a singer, song writer .I may not agree with the things he may sing about or the way he dresses, but who the hell "SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE " ???? That kid knew what he was doing "crazy" describes the word that comes to my mind and accountability ( where were the parents?) One angry teacher - student in it for life trying to make a difference.. RL peace

Teaching Against Idiocy

According to the ancient Greeks, the use of the term "idiocy" meant egotistical behavior, caring only for oneself, having total disregard for things that affect the community, and not being concerned with common things. In his article, "Teaching Against Idiocy", Professor Parker makes the distinction between the traditional and accepted use of the term " idiocy, which means foolish behavior or something that does not have or make sense, and the Greek usage of the term. He sees that the purpose of schools in our democratic communities is to educate students for the public life. Students need to be prepared to make contributions to and participate in public affairs.
Some schools are located in popular developed areas, whereas others are located in more remote and isolated areas. By making use of schools' diversity teachers should bring different views bearing on both the academic curriculum and the social curriculum. By encouraging students to deliberate on problems they face as a community, and on those subjects they are expected to study, students develop the ethic of deliberation, a principle of right or good conduct and morality. Deliberation includes listening, using evidence, thinking about alternatives, and finding an acceptable and just solution to a common problem.
Because of the fact that they are public spaces and because of their diversity, schools are well placed to get the job done.

RL peace

"The free common school system In America"

In America the history of so- called "free common school system" is really a myth to me. What I mean, and don't misquote or misunderstand me, is that I love my country, but in regards to this topic I feel that there is so much written facts times and dates of when laws were enacted from so many different sources and people are the facts real to me? I personally am looking to the future of education .
In today's schools "accountability" is the most important thing. The NCLB Act has accomplished many noteworthy tasks and also many not so noteworthy things. I have personally witnessed both sides,and I have heard lengthy comments from both friends and colleagues who have been teaching for years. I do agree with "accountability", but if a student does not care about there education in our country and continuously remains aloof and definitely does not want to be educated in our schools no matter how hard you try to communicate with him or her, then who should be held responsible,quoting again the " Free common school society" ? RL peace