In reading Titilayo Bediako’s column today at www.startribune.com/stories/1519/4105372.html
I was struck by this thought: As I read it I thought, this is a person who doesn't need to be teaching -- for her, the negatives far outweigh the positives. It made me wonder: what percentage of the problem is the result of teachers who can’t teach as opposed to kids who won’t learn? Also: how many Minneapolis teachers are prepared to teach at-risk kids? I’m not just talking academic qualifications, I’m talking about the desire and ability to reach kids who are of a culture other than your own. I work with a gentleman who has spent the last 10 years counseling at-risk youth. He is a rare person who can listen, connect, yet establish boundaries. Yet he is equally gifted in working with no-risk kids. I submit that a teacher who teaches at-risk kids can teach no-risk kids, but not all teachers of no-risk kids can teach at-risk kids. Considering how many Minneapolis public school children receive free or reduced lunches, a good portion of its children are at risk. Poverty brings with it the risks of unmet medical needs, hunger, and households that are one catastrophe away from homelessness. I am not bringing this up to bash teachers. I know they work hard and have nonexistent budgets. Neither would I take the cavalier attitude of, If they don’t like their job, they should find something else. However. They do need to be equipped with the skills to reach these children. If they are not getting those skills in college, they need them through inservices or a similar vehicle. I admire Ms. Bediako for writing this column. When I first read the original article I wondered what the Star-Tribune’s motive was for publishing it. Like Ms. Bediako, I worried that it sent the wrong message to the state legislature: why throw good money after bad on kids who won’t learn. An overwhelming number of people thought the column was a good thing. It takes courage and integrity to stand up as one person and say “I don’t agree.” Susan Maricle Bruno MN formerly of Folwell __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
