Kim-Another viewpoint

     Progressive education shifted American education from “teach the basics” to “teach the whole child”.  If I were to ask thirty of my favorite educators which philosophy matches theirs, I assume that more than half would agree that “the “whole child” philosophy feels right.  I go home at the end of a hard day and I reflect on the social growth of my students, I mourn at the emotional scars that I see in their words, and  I  celebrate at the advances that they make in regards to building a sense of belonging and support within my class, the school and the community.

     This book and the blogs I have read suggest that we have become scapegoats to society and we should go back to the basics and society and the family should take responsibility for their child’s moral development, character integrity and social norms.  If I had been the ‘case study’ for this theory, and my parental upbringing was the only basis for my character development, I don’t think I would know any of you today. 

     It was because of my teachers that encouraged me, neighbors that nurtured me and families of my friends that took an active role in my social upbringing that I can now provide those same things to the students in my room. If I hadn’t been the teacher that believed in “the whole child” I would have missed the chance to watch Sammy play piano at three piano recitals sitting next to her great-grandfather, while her mother was locked up.  If I only taught the basics, I wouldn’t have attended the graduation of my first second grade class and got a front row seat at the auditorium filled with over eighteen hundred people. If I were only concerned about the basics, I may have missed the chance to intercept young girl’s cries for help in a nearly successful suicidal attempt this spring.

     Given the experience of twenty years with young students, and young parents, I see the demise that we are addressing here.  I see the breakdown of moral character in my young students and instead of blaming the parents or society for not providing it; I take the opportunity to educate the whole family.  I am not putting myself on a pedestal and preach that I do the right thing all the time, but I think we need to look again at the problem. 

     We need to encourage society and the powers-that-be to look at the development of the whole child: the physiological development, the emotional development and the cognitive development and put into place an entire structure that encourages a safe and trusting environment for children to become successful adults.

We have a long way to go.  The Department of Health and Human Services could work together with the Department of Education instead of separate to address this concern.  The Board of Education in each state could come together and create a Task Force to regulate and ensure an equal and respectful education for all public school children. The expertise in psychology and social work can come together and help to rebuild the moral character and social norms that many, my childhood included, didn’t have.The Department of Labor along side of the Department of Treasury could be a part of the solution instead of directing economic failures on the schools. This building of a utopia is far reaching, but one voice has now been heard by some.

    In closing, I believe that a healthy happy teacher is more successful for reaching unhealthy and hurt children.  If we take care of ourselves, through whatever means necessary, we can ensure that no child is left behind.