School's come a long way since I was in grade one... Mind you, I only spoke Slovenian, and when I went to grade one, didn't know a word of English. My parents didn't speak much English, and were planning on moving us back to Slovenija, so they weren't really concerned about my not being able to speak English. My teachers on the other hand were very concerned, and ended up failing me my first year of school. Of course, back then, there was no such thing as 'no child left behind,' and the importance of 'social promotion' verses 'education.'
Anyways... During my visit to Dayton's school for his IEP meeting, I had an opportunity to learn from the guidance counsellor about the reading recovery program in our school division. Did you know that it costs $3000.00 for a child to be in the reading recovery program? I had no idea... Not only that, but not all school divisions offer the reading recovery program, and for those that do, it is only offered in grade one.
I am really concerned about this Mr. Premier. As if you actually care what I think, but as a parent of a member of our future generation, I am very, very concerned about this. You see, my son is in grade four, and he is desperately struggling to read and write. My boy's reading is at about half way through grade one, and I'm afraid to even guess where his writing level is at, but I'm going to guess it's no where near grade one level. My son is not able to write even a small sentence. I think that you should be worried too. I know my child is not the only one falling through the cracks here...
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| The "Honourable" Premier Greg Selinger... |
To add insult to injury, I know that my son's teacher, education assistant, guidance counsellor and resource teacher would love to help my son, but can only do so within the parameters given to them.
Of course, Mr. Premier is not at the elementary schools to answer to concerned parents is he? No... So who does the parent take their frustrations out on? Who does the parent blame for their child not getting an education? Why their school of course! Makes sense, right? I mean, it's the school's responsibility to teach our children, right?
I freaking hate politics. Hate them with a passion. They have no business in our schools!
I need to do MORE research, again... Grrrr...
What are your thoughts?
Consider yourselves hugged,
Lou
I've had a few comments on my facebook page regarding this post...
ReplyDeleteYes, Dayton's school is working with me to teach him how to read. It seems their hands are tied, funding is low. It seems the government really doesn't care if our children learn how to read or not. Social promotion is much more important than learning how to read and write. Dayton is just one example of this. There are many more kiddos out there that can not read or write, he is not the only example. Naturally, do to privacy, I can not name these kids, but I can write whatever I want about my own life and Dayton's as I am his mamma.
It really is sad... We're a generation away from having these kids grow up into adults who won't be able to read or write...