A Gripe

a strong opinion -- and would like your thoughts in return

 

Americans, aliens both legal and illegal, are pleading with our law makers to lower class sizes in all schools to 20 students. Of course, taxes will have to cover it but that is not my issue.

 

When I was young, classes had 6 desks in 7rows, and every single seat was used --42 to a class. We sat still, listened, learned. For those who were class fools, caused trouble, they sat on a stool with a dunce cap, or went to the cloak room or principal's office. Teachers had control of 42 kids. We had spelling bees, brought food and money for the less needy Xmas time. We had picnics, dances in the higher grades, shows and the teachers were able to handle us, mark our homework, our report cards, speak to parents. Learning was exciting. Sure, teachers were not as knowledgeable as those today, but handling 42 kids did not scare them.

 

Scientists, doctors, lawyers, senators grew up and made their way, by going

to libraries to use the Encyclopedia , to parents for help with arithmetic.

 

Yes, there were criminals. surely drunks and drug addicts but we children never heard of their problems.

 

Today there are computers for almost every child, calculators, cell phones, discs on everything. We don't need smaller classrooms. We need teachers who know how to teach and keep decorum in their class rooms.

 

If they can do that, they can handle 40 kids. I know I could, and so could you. Current teachers want too much and don't give enough.

 

Waiting in rainy Boca, for your opinion--not that yours or mine means doodleysquat.