In just three days of "working" with Pinellas Schools I've been inspired to make list.
1) Busing non whites to the gheto - This high ranking school in a wealthy white neighborhood argued that it would be better to bus this child a hour south to a low ranking school in the "slums" of Clearwater where there will be more of "his type" around. The reasoning behind this was that they dont "specialize" in ESL, even though they have ESL students and programs. And when I suggested separate education isnt an equal education they asked me to wait outside and tried to sell the parents their position without my influence. The father felt as I do that the child wont learn English surrounded by Spanish speaking kids getting their lessons in Spanish. I love how recent refugees are expected to understand the workings of the public school system the minute they get here. Enough to make critical education choices for their kids at any rate.
2) Requiring a driver license in order to get a visitor pass. The mother is a refugee who hasnt learned to drive yet. Never the less the school office refused her a visitor pass without photo ID. They then let the translator through without checking her ID or granting her a pass.
3) The school Nurse called me, not the parents, to confirm the child's absence from school. Without checking with the office to confirm he was actually absent.
4) The child has a right to attend school. Unless his blood sugar is above 300. In which case they send him home. Via any means necessary. Like calling 911 ~23~ times. Or having a teacher drive him home in her car.
5) The women in charge of the bus services has -8- student assistants. Kids apparent have an "elective" period during the day where they can sign up to do...nothing? At least that what these kids were doing for the 30 minutes I was meeting with the bus lady. Eight 13-14yos just sitting around with their head in their hands doing nothing. Is anyone supervising this elective program? If I was one of their parents I'd be pissed.
1) Busing non whites to the gheto - This high ranking school in a wealthy white neighborhood argued that it would be better to bus this child a hour south to a low ranking school in the "slums" of Clearwater where there will be more of "his type" around. The reasoning behind this was that they dont "specialize" in ESL, even though they have ESL students and programs. And when I suggested separate education isnt an equal education they asked me to wait outside and tried to sell the parents their position without my influence. The father felt as I do that the child wont learn English surrounded by Spanish speaking kids getting their lessons in Spanish. I love how recent refugees are expected to understand the workings of the public school system the minute they get here. Enough to make critical education choices for their kids at any rate.
2) Requiring a driver license in order to get a visitor pass. The mother is a refugee who hasnt learned to drive yet. Never the less the school office refused her a visitor pass without photo ID. They then let the translator through without checking her ID or granting her a pass.
3) The school Nurse called me, not the parents, to confirm the child's absence from school. Without checking with the office to confirm he was actually absent.
4) The child has a right to attend school. Unless his blood sugar is above 300. In which case they send him home. Via any means necessary. Like calling 911 ~23~ times. Or having a teacher drive him home in her car.
5) The women in charge of the bus services has -8- student assistants. Kids apparent have an "elective" period during the day where they can sign up to do...nothing? At least that what these kids were doing for the 30 minutes I was meeting with the bus lady. Eight 13-14yos just sitting around with their head in their hands doing nothing. Is anyone supervising this elective program? If I was one of their parents I'd be pissed.
1 comment:
Ya got a point, there.
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