Friday, May 1, 2009

Asking Michelle Rhee

After meeting the Chancellor Michelle Rhee,we had an argument about is she right or wrong about saying she cares only for what goes inside the schools but outside is not her worry. On visiting her corner on the District of Columbia Public Schools website I found a place for questions and comments. I send her the following: "I was one of the EFL educators who met you on March, I was really touched by your dedication to solve the problems facing education. After the visit we had an argument about the possibility of separating the problems of education from other problems in society. how can you educate a child who is hungry,sick and frightened even if you have the best teachers in the class?"
To my suprise Next day I got the following answer from the Chancellor Michelle Rhee, she said " Though it’s challenging, it’s absolutely possible to do. We see it in classrooms and schools across this city. MR"
So I felt that she is really dedicated to her job she even took the time to answer my email, WOW.

1 comment:

viovio said...

Hi! First time here. Loved it!
I just wanted to add that I think you're totally right. I think teaching occurs in a context so we cannot stop thinking about what happens to children in their neighbourhoods or at home.
On the other hand, I have also seen that become a burden for teachers. It may also hinder students education when sometimes the school becomes too involved in the context and relaxes the education.
Tough subject... balance is the key I think. And never lower the standards or they will get used to that.

I can tell you that no more than 2 weeks ago I had a student from the Psychology program in the final exam (I teach English 1) almost crying to me that she didn't study because she had problems at home, she was living with a friend, she had no money... The thing is that I had already excused her (she had other problems) for the first exam, I allowed her to take it late... You see? I can't pass her just because she has problems...