Politics in Education

Throughout the years, many have seen our educational system go from the best interest of the child to whatever policy suited those in charge best.  Knowing that rules need to be made in order to prevent any possibility of favoritism, I stand with rules that make sense but as time moves forward so should the rules we abide by.

One main rule that requires changing is the rule where decision of suspension and expulsion are made prior to notification of parents.  Image being told that you child has been suspended or expelled offering parents no role in participating at all.  Many educators say that parental participation in a child’s education can make a world of difference but how many parents are really involved when decisions are made without their input.

I do not have a problem with policies that say if a child commits one offense or another, they will have to suffer the consequences of suspension or expulsion but to make that decision only to have that child miss vital school days before a conference can be arraigned between those who should be a part of the team makes no sense.  By the time the parent is called in, the final decision has been made no nothing that anyone can say will change the outcome.  Children look at parents as not being able to protect them and teachers as adults sworn to working against them.

What we need is a system where parents are notified of the event and the consequences before that final decision and like professional sports, things continue as they are until all parts of the team can get together and discuss the result.  This will make parents feel more involved and students more aware that parents will be included.  Suspension or expulsions do not have to occur immediately to have the desired effect upon the student and with parental involvement; educators have a better chance of the punishment actually achieving its goal.  Isn’t that what educating our children is really all about?