Last night, Dr. Blackburn took to twitter once again to ask "What responsibilities do students have for improving their academic achievement?" This is a great question. The answer is AT LEAST part of it.
We've talked about DISD students having no supplies. We've talked about DISD students not being able to read and students not being prepared. We've talked about DISD sending the wrong signals about graduation and DISD teachers being forced to pass certain percentages of students. All of these contribute to the overall picture, and that's not even talking about the parents or life experiences of the students.
It's easy to quickly blame the students without thinking about everything else goes into the life of a DISD student; however, we have begun to make far too many excuses for our students. Showing up and refusing to do anything is still showing up and refusing to do anything. If a child won't work and refuses to learn, you can't blame the teacher, principal, trustee, or mayor for that. Regardless of the reason, it's a choice. If the kid doesn't go to class, they don't get credit. If they don't turn in work, they fail. DISD has that backwards.
We are all in this together and all have to share part of the responsibility. Much of what happens in the classroom is beyond the control of anyone at school. We need to be compassionate, but also understand that school isn't for everyone. School should always be there if you choose increase your education and skills. Forcing kids to stay isn't doing them any favors. If they want to be out of school, let them. 15 year old 6th grades aren't the answer to the equality question.
We've talked about DISD students having no supplies. We've talked about DISD students not being able to read and students not being prepared. We've talked about DISD sending the wrong signals about graduation and DISD teachers being forced to pass certain percentages of students. All of these contribute to the overall picture, and that's not even talking about the parents or life experiences of the students.
It's easy to quickly blame the students without thinking about everything else goes into the life of a DISD student; however, we have begun to make far too many excuses for our students. Showing up and refusing to do anything is still showing up and refusing to do anything. If a child won't work and refuses to learn, you can't blame the teacher, principal, trustee, or mayor for that. Regardless of the reason, it's a choice. If the kid doesn't go to class, they don't get credit. If they don't turn in work, they fail. DISD has that backwards.
We are all in this together and all have to share part of the responsibility. Much of what happens in the classroom is beyond the control of anyone at school. We need to be compassionate, but also understand that school isn't for everyone. School should always be there if you choose increase your education and skills. Forcing kids to stay isn't doing them any favors. If they want to be out of school, let them. 15 year old 6th grades aren't the answer to the equality question.
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