Getting the conversation(s) going
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Race to Nowhere
What is your response to the movie/discussion?
I was glad to see a good turnout at the showing last night. There was good discussion, but the focus seemed to be on homework; this is only a part of the problem. Kids in multiple sports and activities adds to the problem. Teachers can control/reduce the amount of homework they give, but coaches can also control/reduce practice and games. I often hear of hockey practices that start at 9:45 p.m. and when we share our weekends in class I frequently hear about 12-year olds who have six soccer games in one weekend. Doesn't this seem excessive?
ReplyDeleteThanks for being brave and being the first one to step, up to the plate, Kim! You make a great point: this is much more complex than a single "culprit." It's going to require a paradigm shift in how we look at what we want for our kids. (The first article listed in "For More Information" is a good place to start...)
ReplyDeleteI am hoping that the community will see this as OUR place to begin to discuss these issues. As people raise questions/concerns about specific topics, it would be good to create new posts for each topic, which can, in turn, be commented on. That should make it easier to follow the conversation(s).
I will be happy to post more sources for information and contemplation (believe me, I've got a multitude of them!) and organize them around specific topics, as well. Please let me know if you would like any particular resources (research, education policy, global trends, etc.) to pursue a better understanding of these issues. This is a work in progress. If the conversations expand beyond the capabilities of this blog and we need to seek a different forum--GREAT!
Thanks to all who attended the screening last night! Hopefully it inspired someone to help us figure out how to create a better way. (I think it starts with being more informed--which is part of the purpose of this blog--and then moves to communication, and finally action.) I'm anxious to hear everyone's thoughts...
I think it has more to do with pressure from a coach to win or a teacher to get straight A's that is the problem (or parents in both arenas). It is not overscheduling, one could argue if you spend a lot of time with your extended family you are overscheduling them or if you go to the pool everyday. With sports as an example, I know kids love playing sports, being with friends, bonding and being active.... it is just the coaches/ parents who only care about winning that will burn the kids out. I would have loved to play organized sports everyday as a kid... we just need to get the adults out of youth sports!!!
ReplyDeleteAs part of my job I get information forwarded to me from a friend and ex-DEA agent, Rick Tucker. In the wake of the "Race to Nowhere" viewing I thought many may find this article interesting and/or eye opening. This is everywhere regardless of demographic.
ReplyDeletehttp://azdailysun.com/news/local/state-and-regional/up-all-night-some-college-students-abusing-prescription-drugs/article_8e2a5d89-27bb-5eb3-b00c-19de2efce8fe.html#ixzz1lQqMMHgH
I agree and you bring up a very good point.
ReplyDelete- John Ohradzansky
For anyone who missed the wonderful write-up in the Sun last Thursday: http://www.cleveland.com/avon-lake/index.ssf/2012/02/avon_lake_high_school_hosts_fi.html
ReplyDelete