Sunday, September 6, 2009

Laboring for That Which Matters Little

In honor of Labor Day, I thought I'd spotlight how our government labors endlessly, reaping little for their efforts. Brad brought this satire to my attention. Thought it was appropriate.

No Child Left Behind:
The Football Version

Author Unknown*

l. All teams must make the state playoffs, and all will win the championship. If a team does not win the championship, they will be on probation until they are the champions, and coaches will be held accountable.

2. All kids will be expected to have the same football skills at the same time and in the same conditions. No exceptions will be made for interest in football, a desire to perform athletically, or genetic abilities or disabilities. ALL KIDS WILL PLAY FOOTBALL AT A PROFICIENT LEVEL

3. Talented players will be asked to work out on their own without instruction. This is because the coaches will be using all their instructional time with the athletes who aren't interested in football, have limited athletic ability, or whose parents don't like football.

4. Games will be played year round, but statistics will only be kept in the 4th, 8th, and 11th games.

5. This will create a New Age of sports where every school is expected to have the same level of talent and all teams will reach the same minimal goals.

If no child gets ahead, then no child will be left behind.

We must become the change we want to see.
—Mahatma Gandhi


Is this why sports teams still flourish while our kids are floundering in the public school "equalization tank"? How can we effect change? Is it ruined beyond repair?

3 comments:

  1. Um...that's where some Charter Schools can be a really good option.

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  2. Boy, I wish I had the answers to some of these questions. All I know is that our education system is in trouble, and I have a feeling the solution may be a long time coming. Fixing such things doesn't seem to be the forte of our government.

    I don't envy you young mothers, but I do admire your determination to make things better. My daughter-in-law is completely involved in her school, and she and her friends have really made a difference there.

    We all need to just get out there and fight for the things that are important for our kids.

    =)

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  3. I hope it's not beyond repair. I am thankful to know there are so many mothers, fathers, teachers, even students who want to make things better. I want to have hope for success and improvement.

    Also, that satire makes the whole NCLB much easier to understand. :)

    ReplyDelete