The Freedom Writers, Part 3

Some time back, you all may recall that I posted a news story about a teacher in Indianapolis who is currently suspended for her use of The Freedom Writers. By next Tuesday, the school board in Perry Township will have decided her fate.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080319/LOCAL1801/803190499

I can't tell you how pathetic and petty I find this whole charade. Reading between the lines, I don't think this teacher has a hope in hell of keeping her job. I see a superintendent that is completely wrapped up in bureaucracy and entirely opposed to any method that deviates from the status quo. The teacher in question is working with disadvantage (and more than likely disillusioned) kids that have been labeled as the rejects in Perry Township. Rather than reprimanding this woman, the superintendent should be applauding her ingenuity and providing her with more opportunities to reach out to these children.

Just last night, Jeremy and I were discussing how to change the problem in our prison system. I believe strongly that the first step is better education, and the second is to treat people with more humanity. And this superintendent isn't following either one. Instead, she is merely concerned about a rule, enacting power over a subordinate, and turning a blind eye to the problem children that were benefiting from that teacher's willingness to teach outside of the box.

The Freedom Writers, Part 3

Some time back, you all may recall that I posted a news story about a teacher in Indianapolis who is currently suspended for her use of The Freedom Writers. By next Tuesday, the school board in Perry Township will have decided her fate.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080319/LOCAL1801/803190499

I can't tell you how pathetic and petty I find this whole charade. Reading between the lines, I don't think this teacher has a hope in hell of keeping her job. I see a superintendent that is completely wrapped up in bureaucracy and entirely opposed to any method that deviates from the status quo. The teacher in question is working with disadvantage (and more than likely disillusioned) kids that have been labeled as the rejects in Perry Township. Rather than reprimanding this woman, the superintendent should be applauding her ingenuity and providing her with more opportunities to reach out to these children.

Just last night, Jeremy and I were discussing how to change the problem in our prison system. I believe strongly that the first step is better education, and the second is to treat people with more humanity. And this superintendent isn't following either one. Instead, she is merely concerned about a rule, enacting power over a subordinate, and turning a blind eye to the problem children that were benefiting from that teacher's willingness to teach outside of the box.