Monty Python explains everything.

Independent UK

Growing up on a farm, I enjoyed the years of living just outside my hometown of 427 people.  Most of the residents, their ancestors, and their descendants had lived in this area since 1820s. 

When my own small family moved to Ireland in 1985, our adventures took us through small villages with their own populations, much like those of my hometown, only theirs dated back to 15th century, or further.

These villages and my own hometown had many similarities, including a church, store, farmers market, and pub (no pub at my old town). 

Another striking similarity was the presence of locals who were referred to as the “village idiots”.  My parents explained this was not an insult, but was the only way to describe this part of the population.

Their role in rural societies was seen in a variety of ways. Some were viewed with disdain, some with kindness, and some even with help in their lives.  Whatever and however, the community accepted their own roles in the flow of the residents.  Farmer, shopkeeper, housewife, teacher....and "village idiot" were all part of the population. 

I have to admit that I could see this and how it worked. While it deeply offended me to see a section of our society earmarked in this way, there was no breaking the chain. 

After watching this episode of “Monty Python”, I was impressed by their explanations.  

                                     

Thinking back to people I observed in my old town, every resident had a place in the flow of the community. I am not sure where I stood in that flow, but then,  I moved away long ago. 

P. S.  I love Monty Python episodes, their unique sense of humor, and satire of the English society.  I found this video, and decided to write around it. "Oliver Cromwell" song is very entertaining as is "Flying Sheep."  The list is long and their humor unique. They are not for everyone. 

What's up with Education, anyway?

Futurama

Education is confusing at any school district, State education departments, and Federal over-sight committees.  Questions range all over spectrum, based on political interest levels.

 All the issues in education are based on Politics, and who controls the money.  No, really, it is just about the money.

Call me cynical, but educational needs reflect political hormone swings, a pendulum of sorts. 

Language acquisition

For over a decade, bi-lingual education was the "flag pole to salute" (political term).  Teachers had the option to meet certification 1) take four college classes, or 2) take a test, essay and fill in the bubble.

This all earned the "B.C.L.A.D.**"certification. Not only that, teachers had a deadline of four years to complete this requirement, or face employment death. **Bi-lingual Cross-cultural Academic Development

It is very important here to acknowledge that the goal of every teacher, is to understand the needs of all students and meet them. 

In less than a year, a growing bi-lingual program was dismantled. Teachers were aghast--killing the sacred cash cow? Money moved to other programs.
  

Bubble in

No Child Left Behind--a national test given faithfully and funded by National funds--was part of the GW Bush legacy.  With this Standardized Testing, districts forced "teaching to the test" onto each teacher.  Nearly every day, students took mini-tests which would hopefully lead to successful scores, making school districts showing progress.

Available at Amazon

Here is a preface from an 1889 edition of Illinois and the Nation. This book itself is as dry as sand, but it is an interesting view of expectations in teaching:

So many opinions, disputes, and frustration accompany this topic.  What to do?  What to say?  What to believe? What next?

What do you think? Did education in 1905 go the right direction?

What should schools be teaching in this era?  Are students basically the same, or radically different from students way back when? What should be done now?

My posts nearly always contain some sort of graphic or whatever.  It breaks up the solid wall of words.  When a student faces this wall, shut down may happen.  So, throw in some photos appropriate to text and allow readers to process, then read on.

Oh, the days of college....

"What should I do?  What career should I pursue?"

Going away to college…just writing the words hauls up the memories of anticipation and excitement.   

Since 8^th grade I had been planning for college.  My future career changed frequently, depending on what book I was reading at the time.  One day I would decide to be a nurse, after reading the biography of Florence Nightengale.  The next day I wanted to be a doctor, after reading about Louis Pasteur. 

With college, the options opened wide for a farm girl from an isolated rural area.

I still can sense the nervousness of signing up for classes and planning the schedule.  Buying the books was a shock; $28 for one textbook!  Can you imagine! 

But those years are long past.  I have taken many post-graduate courses, bought many textbooks ($150 for one textbook!).  Even now, when the local community college course catalog arrives, I find myself looking through it with that same sense of excitement.

But things have changed, as the needs of life change.  The course titles for my group are very different.

Take note of the recent classes for the workforce and community development:

*Let’s make a bikini!

*Backyard chickens!

*Mastering the 
Bandsaw!

*Tie-Dye, parts 1, 2, and 3!

*What Were You Born to Do?!  Find out!

*Be Forever Stress-Free with EFT!

There are, of course, other courses for vocation and career changes.  Those courses will be invaluable to the younger generation seeking careers and such.  But, for me?  A person who lists "writer" as an occupation?

Somehow, I am drawn to “Mastering the Bandsaw!”