Many of you have probably heard the hoopla and fan-fare surrounding the President's Address to our Children which is set to happen at 1100 CST this coming Tuesday. I like many other parents have mixed feelings about this unusual (but not unprecedented) broadcast.
As not to attempt to place a political spin on this particular post, the following is an excerpt of the President's intended message: "During this special address, the president will speak directly to the nation's children and youth about persisting and succeeding in school. The president will challenge students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning." This quote comes directly from the U.S. Department of Education website rather than from CNN or Fox News.
As parents of one of the children that President Obama is planning to speak to, I must tell him and anyone else who may want to know that our daughter knows the importance of both persistence and success in not only school but in life. She is a well mannered child and we try hard to shield her from the politics that are put out there each and every day.
Really for us the President's wanting to speak to our children is not what causes concern - rather the 'in class assignments' that are being put out by OUR GOVERNMENT. Here is an excerpt, again from the U.S. Department of Education website of what my daughter's class assignment will be (7th Grade):
- Teachers may engage students in short readings. Teachers may post in large print around the classroom notable quotes excerpted from President Obama's speeches on education. Teachers might ask students to think alone, compare ideas with a partner, or share their thoughts with the class. Teachers could ask students to think about the following:
- What are our interpretations of these excerpts?
- Based on these excerpts, what can we infer that the president believes is important in order to be educationally successful?
- Create a "concept web." Teachers may ask students to think of the following:
- Why does President Obama want to speak with us today?
- How will he inspire us?
- How will he challenge us?
- What might he say?
- Do you remember any other historic moments when the president spoke to the nation?
- What was the impact?
Now, possibly it is just me, but what is the method to the madness behind such an assignment? Are the records from Tuesday's assignment going to be collected and sent to a new department within our government who will be charged to read each on and report back to the administration? What is the cost beyond the millions already spent to prepare?
Our daughter is inspired by many - Her mother, her teachers, and possibly me among others. We also challenge her to do better in school, to be a better person, a better dancer. You get the idea.
Due to all of the visibility that has went on from this, teachers and administrators are scrambling and working overtime to get word out to the parents. In the Clarksville Montgomery County School District, parents need only send a written note with there child if they would prefer their child not watch this address. What is not known is whether your child (should you choose for them not to be a part) will have to be a part of this assignment prior to the President's address to our children.
Again, the President speaking to our children is not really what is at issue with us. While we are still undecided as to whether we will send a letter with her to school or not, what disturbs us, as parents and as Americans is the assignment that is being directed by the Department of Education.
I would encourage each parent out there to review the message on the Department of Education's website along with the assignments by grades to make an informed decision as to whether or not you believe your child should be involved in this science (or is it social?) project. Thankfully for us, our daughter is not easily influenced. Most likely we will sit her down tomorrow and let her be a part of this decision as to whether or not she would like to participate.
God Bless our Country and our Children! They are the future.
Regards
Tim and Pam Cash
Crye-Leike Realtors
931-338-1375 or 931-436-7617
The Cash Team - Making dreams come true one home at a time. Proudly serving the citizens of Clarksville and the Soldiers of Fort Campbell. To view available Clarksville properties, please visit our website at www.cashsofclarksville.com or email us at thecashteam@cashsofclarksville.comand we will run a custom search for you. Finding you and yours the perfect property in Clarksville Tennessee and surrounding areas is our goal.
