"I am told of one report by the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the
National Center for Education Statistics that almost twice as many teenagers tell of gangs in their schools than six years
previously. Also they report that violent crime in the schools increased nearly 25 percent in that same period.
"Other problems involve the so-called dumbing down in our schools.
Various scholastic tests seem to suggest that this is a genuine problem. Longer school hours, specially trained teachers,
and special, innovative methods are clearly needed."
--- From the book, "Good-bye, America?"
How prophetic that was. Now
we have seen just how much that violence can escalate in the schools, haven't we? We also have been hearing all about
the failing grade that the educational systems have often been given. As reported in The Washington Times a while back,
"U.S. students lag in math, science; no progress since '95." And then the Associated Press reported that, "Leading science
textbooks fail accuracy test, study reveals." And Cheryl Wetzstein reported in The Washington Times that, "Lying, cheating
has become widespread among teens."
It's not a pretty picture.
And even though a number of schools are now improving somewhat, many are definitely not getting all that much better.
So, what can we do about these problems? It has been found that smaller class size is not going to clear up most of
these difficulties. So, what is one to do?
Again, from the book... "There
are teaching projects, such as 'Micro-Society,' as developed in a Lowell, Massachusetts magnet school. Such methods
seem to be magnificent, highly motivational teaching procedures. I've seen the faces on some of those kids. The
enthusiasm and newly dedicated energy is almost unbelievable.
"Also, have you ever thought of
bringing 'Structured Brainstorming' to the upper grade schools and to the high schools? if it's done right, nothing
else around there will ever be the same again. I mean, it's that good. And, what about teaching teachers how to
motivate? What about the introduction of a comprehensive value system? All of this and so much more can be done.
It really can."
And the book further notes, "Speaking
of a value system, a concerned group of clergy, educators and others (a part of a 24-member nonpartisan panel) wrote a very
special report that was issued by the Institute for American Values. It was titled, 'A Call to Civil Society: Why Democracy
Needs Moral Truths.' It's a call to reset our nation's moral compass.
"It was a recognition of a truly
desperate need for all of us to find ways to agree on a workable public moral philosophy. It was noted that without
such a guiding philosophy, our nation will be doomed to continue its moral decline. The group and, in fact, many thoughtful
people throughout our land, are convinced that without such a guiding light, our democracy will not long survive.
"A few schools are trying to address
this and similar needs. The Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University in California established a
model undergraduate program to study the art of ethical decision-making. Then, with such skills in place, they teach
ethical behavior to high school students in San Jose who in turn will pass the learning on to the elementary level.
"There are a number of these
programs available and this writer strongly suggests that schools all over our nation would do well to make serious inquiries
about these and similar efforts. Parents and community leaders should also not be shy about getting involved.
Believe me, this sort of thing is really important."
Now there's a mission statement
for you. And remember, a few schools are slowly beginning to develop "character education" as a priority.
It's a beginning. Now, what are you planning to do?
