edensgarden's Diaryland Diary ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The meaning of fair. What does the word 'fair' really mean? In the dictionary fair is defined as just or conforming with the rules. This is a fine definition, and I think that in today's America we equate fairness with equality. I would argue however, that fair should not be equal. In school the other night the word fair was given a new meaning, and one that I think is better. In an educational setting fair should be what is best for the individual student, not what is equal for the body of students. Now, I know that this arguement may sound biased and, forgive my pun, unfair. But, it is not. Let's take a classroom full of students. In this class there are gifted learners, slower-learners and average learners, college bound and the not so college bound. Present day educational trends and studies would argure that these kids will all do better if included in the same classroom learning the same things. This is good in theory, but impractical in reality. Using my classes' definition of fair is it better for the exeptionaly bright, or gifted child to slow down to the rest of the class? Is it fair for the slow-learner to have to feel the pressure of not measuring up? Is it fair to gear all students for college, when not all will go, or want to go? Finally, is is fair to the average student to have to be ignored by a teacher who's time and resources are taken up by the fringe elements of a class? The answer all times over is a resounding 'NO!' These questions reveal an inherent flaw in the American school system. We set a standard and expect all people to fit this standard or throw them out on their heels. Don't get me wrong, I feel strongly that there needs to be accountability in the public schools, but there needs to be alternatives for the people that do not meet the standards. The German School System is a model that we should follow. At around the age of 10, the German student and his or her parents decide on a study course. The child can go to the Gymnasium, and prepare for college, the Real Schule, and prepeare for work in the white collar world or the Grundt Schule, where trades are taught. By dividing the school system up this way, kids can get the education they need to succeed in the 'real world'. In my own family this would have been ideal for my brother. He is a very smart guy, but had no intrest in the academic world. Sadly, if he did not pass Algebra he was not 'good enough'. Was is fair to make him sit through these types of classes when he had no intention of ever using what was taught again? No! He would have been far better served, by having a class in consumer skills, basic business principles and the like. He is the manager of the local Sew & Vac repair shop, and if I might add, happy as a clam! But back to my original point of fairness. doing what is best for a child sometimes means thinking outside the box, and taking time to better meet the educational needs of students. This means not having a 'one size fits all' school system. Let's teach our kids to read and write and to do math that will help them function as adults. Let's have standards, but let's also provide alternatives when the standards are not met, so that the student will be able to find a place in the world. 1:30 p.m. - 2001-07-10 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
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