As a young 23 yr old CEA I subbed in a grade 3 classroom full of boys. There were 16 boys and 14 girls. After about an hour I was amazed at the amount of control and attention this teacher got . Work got done and there were very few interruptions. By the second hour I noticed other things too, these kids looked tired, very tired, the break for recess was unnecessary as they didnt want to eat or play . Not all their work got done but it didnt seem to matter. The morning went without a hitch and I was a bit confused and had alot of questions for this very respected teacher. I chatted with her at lunch and shared my observations of her orderly classroom. What I heard next has shaped my views on the school system, as a CEA, a foster mom and as a parent. She explained to me that in September they were all roudy and full of life but that the expectations of class size and needs was not manageable so she had recommended and advocated that at least 1/2the class be put on Ritalin , an appetite reducing and numbing drug used for ADHD kids . I was shocked , and surprised, firstly at her response but then the fact that her voice was not lowered and no shame was in her voice as if it was ok or normal. Id researched this drug in school and see its value , when needed, this was a clear case of misuse and I was angry. To this day I think of this classroom often. Ive went between anger towards the teacher , parents, school and the system. Mostly Ive questioned how this woman who trained to be a teacher to change the future generation could go to such low standards to change it yes, but for the better?!?! Armed with the filtered knowledge of the disputes this year through the media I know that this lady could have benefitted from one helper or two. That maybe her solutions would have other options if she had the supports needed. And as always judgment went from anger to understanding and now empathy. I dont understand all the details in this debate but I am extremely saddened that things could not have been worked out sooner to make today the first school day for many. I have kids in private school so personally I am not affected but I have to say that there was a lump in my throat driving my kids to school as I pass two others unopened . Praying for a fair solution soon ! Hugs to all the moms whos summer has been extended !!!!!
Posted on: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 15:47:19 +0000
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015