Was it all for nothing?

Many parts of our reading this week were emotional, thought provoking and inspired a wide range of reactions from me. The issues we face in today’s education system are controversial, diverse and constantly evolving. Local, state and federal regulations determine the proficiency of our system with guidelines that don’t take into account the reality that most kids live in today. Teachers feel overwhelmed, and underappreciated, as parents and students alike continue to underestimate the value of a good education and how hard we work to ensure their child is successful. However, there was one issue that I just keep thinking about and am unable to find a reasonable explanation for.

There simply is no way to equate what parents, teachers and children throughout history lived through as they fought for any kind of education compared to today’s society where everything is expected and handed over without delay. We teach every student in the United States. Regardless of whether you are rich, poor or any nationality under the sun, you have the opportunity to pursue an education. In this country you are provided with a public elementary, junior high and high school education without any cost to you. In addition, schools provide many extra curricular activities that ensure each interest has a venue of expression. Unfortunately, students of the past had to pave the road for those of us that came after them as they were denied this right over and over again. African American, Native American, Chinese, poor students, individuals that weren’t able to pass the faulty IQ test and female students all struggled to have the opportunity we believe we are entitled to without question. Unfortunately, I don’t think our society remembers the many sacrifices that gave us the right to have the free education we so easily take for granted.

I honestly don’t believe I could have sent my child to school knowing their life was constantly in danger. I am very appreciative of their bravery, and a little embarrassed to admit I couldn’t have done it. Ruby Bridges and her family paid dearly for the decision they made. They were no longer allowed to shop at the local store, her father lost his job and her grandparents were thrown off the farm they had worked for years.  Education meant something to these people! None of us has had to make sacrifices that could be life threatening just to get an education. Instead we have parents that complain, yell and write letters if they believe their child’s every want and need is not met to their satisfaction. I wonder what Mr. Bridges would say if he could walk into any school today and listen to a parent rant and rave because Johnny’s teachers hold him accountable.

How quickly we have forgotten the relatively short time we have had an organized education system in this country. Oftentimes students don’t want to go to school, and parents don’t have the fight left in them to make them go. We have children come to school every day without breakfast, clean clothes, brushed teeth or a bath. Teachers are expected to provide clothes, counseling, school supplies, food and tutoring to ensure each child is proficient. Where is the responsibility of the parent in any of this? I know there are many amazing parents in our districts. Parents that understand how important it is to learn to read and write so they provide learning opportunities at home on a daily basis. Then we have the parents, students and at times administration that simply do not see the relevance in what we are trying to accomplish. Why is this so hard to understand and appreciate when those dedicated men and women, who had relatively nothing, could see it 100 years ago?