In my dream school, students would be taught to think critically

To the editor,

Since everyone seems to be talking about “dream schools,” I wish to add my thoughts on this provocative topic.

First of all, my “dream school” would be a public school. It would be under the supervision of a school board made up of local citizens committed to quality education, not “the bottom line.” Citizens would be free to vote them out but the board would not be constantly subject to harassment by special town meetings called by special interest groups that do not have really have the best interests of the students in mind.

In addition, in my dream school, students would be taught to think critically. They would learn the “wisdom of the elders” but they would also learn to think for themselves. Students would have the right to question teachers (or any other “authority”) without fear of retribution. There would be no corporal punishment. Educators who feel the need to hit children should find other jobs. Some states have banned paddling in public schools but many still allow it, even in high school. Many states that have banned corporal punishment in public schools still permit it in private, often “Christian,” schools.

Business and industry groups would be able to contribute their expertise and technology to education but not at the expense of “corporatizing” the schoolhouse. A student who chose to wear a Pepsi shirt would not be suspended because the school had signed an exclusive contract to promote only Coca-Cola products at the school (this actually happened!).

In my school, history and social studies would be held to a high standard. Students would learn about their country, its history, and Constitution. They would learn the greatness of American history without covering up the darker side of that history. They would learn respect for the flag but they would also learn about the principles and the “republic for which it (the flag) stands.”

Students would also learn about world history, geography, and cultures. They would learn to love America without being ethnocentric. They would appreciate cultural diversity. English skills would be emphasized but high school graduation would require at least two years of a foreign language. My ideal school would also have a strong international exchange program. In this school, the arts and music would not be considered “extras” but a part of a comprehensive education

Sports would be encouraged to promote fitness and “team playing.” While students would be encouraged to win, they would also learn that “it is not whether you win or lose but how you play the game.” “Soccer moms” and “baseball dads” who publically berated referees and umpires (or their own children) would be prohibited from attending future games, except with the express written permission of the chief administrator.

Health and sex education would be both practical and comprehensive. Abstinence would be taught as an option to avoiding pregnancy or STDs but it would only be taught as one option. Both boys and girls would learn “sexual ethics” and respect for others as well as themselves.

Seniors in my dream school would take exciting senior trips to places like Washington, D.C. or to places to do volunteer work. Those seniors who were 18 would go through a “rite of passage” by registering to vote. Wouldn’t it be great if seniors were taken on a bus to their town halls to register?

My dream school would also have a strong science and math program. Evolution and heliocentrism would be taught as science. Students would be free, of course, to disagree with the teacher. Students would learn about the plethora of world creations stories and world religious beliefs and practices but they would properly learn these in literature and humanities, not science, classes.

While my school would have strong “college prep” programs, it would also have strong technical and vocational programs. Students not bound for college would be prepared for jobs or for further technical and vocational education. My dream school would also have strong “special” education programs. Students who were physically or developmentally disabled would have the best in an “appropriate education,” but “gifted” students would also receive an appropriate education.

In my dream school, teachers would be accorded the respect as well as the salaries and benefits that their education and expertise have earned. Students would respect teachers because they earned it. Teachers would have resources to continue their education. Teachers would not be convenient scapegoats for right-wing politicians. Teachers could unionize but they would be treated fairly anyway.

My “dream school” would be located in my “dream school district.” In that district, parents, educators, and other taxpayers would see themselves as partners in education. Parents and teachers would not be in an adversarial relationship. Both parents and teachers play an important role in education but their roles are different. “Parental rights” would be important but not at the expense of children’s rights.

In my dream district, people who no longer had children in school or who chose to privately educate their children would not abrogate their responsibilities for public education. Nor would there be so many taxpayers with luxury homes who feel entitled to avoid paying more taxes to support public education. Of course, my ideal district would be located someplace with a fair taxation system.

In my dream district, people who chose to send their children to private and/or religious schools could do so but they would not expect other taxpayers to reimburse them. In addition, private schools would meet certain standards and be under some supervision by state or local education authorities. “Homeschoolers” would likewise be monitored and supervised to ensure that child abuse or neglect were not involved and that homeschooled children were receiving an adequate education.

Finally, my dream school would be a fun place where students looked forward to coming to school every day! Am I dreaming too much?

E. Scott Cracraft

Gilford