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Common Sense

We really need to stop to consider how rules impact our students.  Having too few rules can lead to chaos – a poor learning environment indeed.  Too many rules can restrict personal freedom and the ability for students to express themselves – never a good prescription for those who are trying to learn and develop themselves.  Schools boards, teachers, administrators, students and parents should work together to develop a set of rules that protect students, allowing them to have a safe and secure learning environment while still allowing them the freedom to develop and grow.

For this reason, it is important to carefully consider what rules and regulations are put in place at a school or learning institution. For example, schools who are considering instituting a uniform rule. Uniforms can have a positive impact on students by removing a lot of temptation and the need to impress others. Still, there is some indication that by removing a student’s individuality and ability to express themselves we may be removing a crucial component of student freedom and expression.

This same idea must be applied to any rules and regulations developed for a school.  Even so, there are many rules that simply make sense. Schools must include rules designed to protect the safety of their students. Rules protecting students against harassment and discrimination are important as well. There are other common sense rules that nearly all schools have in place.  These are rules such as a ban on curse words, an ethics code and a morality code.

Schools simply must have rules. It is unfortunate, but in the world we live in is built on laws and rules.  They govern our attitudes, define right and wrong and help guide us through what can often be a complicated world. We can only hope that those that make the rules for our students use a bit of common sense when they do so.

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Options for Students after High School

As little as 5 to 10 years ago, it was still possible to get a job, some of which paid rather well, without a college degree. However, this scenario is rapidly disappearing. Today, the expectation is that a job applicant has a college degree. That means it is more important than ever to obtain an online degree.

For some high school students, though, the very thought of spending four to five more years in a classroom setting is simply more than they can deal with, whether that feeling is caused by the fact that they are tired of the “school” environment or because of financial concerns. For these students, the modern advances in technology that make it possible to get an online degree may be the answer.

Online universities are usually somewhat cheaper than traditional universities, but that does not mean that students must pay all charges up front. Online universities can offer financial aid for students pursuing online degrees, just like other higher education opportunities. This is just one reason why online degrees are becoming popular with many students. Another reason is the benefits of a “non-traditional” classroom setting.

Many students enjoy the convenience and flexibility that the Internet affords where earning online degrees is concerned. The idea of literally being able to attend class in one’s underwear or setting the time when one wants to attend class can be very inviting to someone for whom traditional start and end times for classes was bothersome.

Others like the fact that they are able to work a job as well as work towards online degrees. In fact, many students take advantage of break and lunch periods at their job to study for or work on assignments because they are readily available to them. This allows them to utilize their time in a manner that works best for them.

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Liberty, Freedom and Education

In our country we are ruled by laws and legislation. Part of what ensures our freedom and our liberty are these very same laws. A very big part of these laws surround our children. They are designed to protect them and to teach them. The Federal government, state government and even local governments have passed many laws that impact our schools, our teachers and their ability to teach. Understanding these rules and how they impact our children is important if we hope to guide our children into the next generation.

While there are several major pieces of legislation that have been passed in the past 50 years perhaps none is as significant as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002. This act was passed by the Federal government in an attempt to regulate the content, course selection and standards our schools use during the education process. While the Federal government could not directly require state and local governments to change the guidelines they used the act to entice school boards through monetary gains. In other words, schools that met certain criteria were offered additional funding.

Unfortunately many people feel that this act had several negative impacts on our students. They believe it has led to a culture in which we teach to the test and effectively ignore educating our students. Because of this legislators at the Federal level are currently investigating other options for regulating education.  NCLB is currently up for renewal and many legislators are interested in repealing the act and replacing it with a more effective piece of legislation.

Using laws to regulate education makes sense but only if those writing the laws understand how those laws impact every single aspect of our children’s education. Perhaps the best idea is creating laws based on input from teachers, students, parents and administrators.

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Innocent Until Proven Guilty: Student Rights

As American’s, we have certain inalienable rights. Freedom of speech, freedom of press and the right to not be discriminated against to name a few. The weird thing is, in the same country, our students, particularly minors in elementary or secondary school, don’t seem to be afforded these same rights. Consider for a moment a minor child out walking late at night alone. That child may technical have the right to do so, but in reality they will likely be picked up, forcibly if needed, and returned home. This would never happen to an adult – unless they were breaking a law.

Luckily for our students, in most cases, the Supreme Court has consistently worked to protect the right of our students. Take for example violations of free expression. In a case, Tinker v Des Moines (393 US 503 [1969]), a group of students wore black arm bands to symbolize their disapproval of the Vietnam War. The school board attempted to force the students to remove the arm bands. The Supreme Court disagreed, stating that student’s actions did not disrupt the classroom.

Similar cases have been brought before the court regarding freedom of speech and freedom of the press. Students have been excused from saying the pledge while other students have won the right to produce school newspapers that are uncensored.

The trouble with student rights is that in most cases a student who feels their rights are being violated often has little choice but to accept the school ruling unless they have the time or money to fight the issue, often to the Supreme Court.

Our students have rights, just like the rest of the citizens of our country. When those rights are disregarded, they have the right to bring the issue before a court of law. Wouldn’t be nice though, if instead of creating rules for every aspect and potential issue, our students, like our criminals, were ‘innocent’ until proven guilty.

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The Barnette Principle

It was once an expectation of reverence: students were to stand, unified and humble, reciting a pledge to their flag. All individuals were to offer the necessary salutes, to express the common sentiments. The purpose was to show adoration for a country and all were intended to obey.

Some, however, could not — religion shaped them to uncertainty, with no symbol enough to compel them to rise. They would defy their beliefs if they followed the majority; but they would receive punishment if they remained seated. And the conflict was endless, forcing constant debates and concerns, reprimands and chides. Students were meant to offer allegiance, it was argued. They didn’t have the right to refuse.

In 1943, however, that right was granted.

The introduction of the Barnette Principle (found in the case of West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette) was a revolutionary thing. This law — passed by the Supreme Court — stated that no student could be compelled to salute the flag or recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Forcing such gestures was instead unconstitutional, defying the First Amendment right to religious freedom and speech protection. A classroom did not repel the need for such a law. It instead intensified it, requiring all students to regain power from their instructors.

And this philosophy remains today.

Students wishing to refuse such traditions as the Pledge or opening prayer cannot be forced to become involved. They instead have the ability to remain at their desks, offering nothing but a stare. The intention is not to disrupt the proceedings (these individuals are not able to voice their displeasure as the events are happening, for example. They cannot distract others). It is instead to offer a child the all important choice. He or she can make a decision based upon personal feelings, rather than having to merely submit to what is assumed to be correct.

And this is a vital student right that should never be forgotten.

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The Enrollment Denials: Private Education Disadvantage

An application waits before you, a hope for the future. Its questions must be answered carefully; its deadline must be met. You are seeking to offer your child the chance he deserves, the education you know to be essential (the differences between public and private schools have already been learned, charted out by you again and again). You wish to enroll him in the best classes. And all that remains in this process is a singular form. You assume it to be perfunctory. Your son will be selected, after all. How could he be refused?

He is, however — and you are stunned.

Private education is sought by countless parents each year. The desire is to receive a more comprehensive curriculum, with all attention offered to students and their needs. But this intention is not always secured. Instead many individuals will find themselves denied entry to their districts, with their children unable to attend.

And the reason for this is all too simple.

Private institutions are not required to accept all applicants (even those who have been proven able to pay). They instead create their own standards and many families can be refused access — merely because they did not match the vital criteria. These schools are governed by:

One: Academic standing. All students must have a high grade point average and suffer from no mediocre courses.

Two: Community service. Students are expected to be involved with their districts, exemplifying humanitarian efforts.

Three: Behavioral certainty. Students must refrain from less than ideal behaviors; and those with disciplinary problems will be denied.

Four: Classroom quota. Students will not be allowed to enroll if classrooms have already reached their maximum limits. Small sizes are to be maintained.

Such rules can cause even the most worthy of applicants to be rejected. And this can become the great concern of all parents. Private education is not guaranteed, unlike its public sibling. This must be understood by all and anticipated.

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The Public Advantage: Meeting Special Needs

It is a quick dismissal, an assumption of dwindling standards: public education will no longer suffice. Your child instead demands attention, the assistance of qualified professionals. A disability has marked each day a challenge for him. He needs more therefore than the crowded classrooms and overwhelmed instructors. Though there have been promises of individual care, the independent programs, you simply think these won’t be enough. A private education is instead wanted. It’s the chance for him to excel.

That chance never comes, however.

A school instead refuses to accept him, won’t even consider allowing him to enroll. It is not a reflection your bank account. It is not a slight against your child. It’s instead the prerogative of an organization that is not required by law to offer admission to special needs pupils. They can instead reject them, deem them too much of a concern.

And this is — you discover — the great failing of private education. There is no certainty your son can be helped.

Public schools, however, provide a far better advantage. Despite the many complications they may offer, these institutions are government sanctioned. This translates to an immediate acceptance of your child. All students with disabilities (no matter how mild or severe) are to be accommodated. The necessary programs and procedures must be implemented. New teachers and methods must be offered. It’s a guarantee of success.

And parents wishing to ensure a better education for their son or daughter will discover that the public option is the stronger choice. No student can be refused. They instead must be helped — and this is essential.

Private education is often deemed to be the only acceptable decision. But those seeking to enhance their child’s life (in regards to a disorder) will often be met with a lack of compassion. There is no assurance. There is only refusal.

Public schools, however, offer an easier ideal: all special needs will be answered, aided and soothed.

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Seeking Districts: Private Education

A search for a neighborhood, the struggle to secure a home: a relocation was unexpected, had your family scrambling to pack away their belongings, prepare for an impractical journey. The move was hard — and fast. But you finally managed to find a house that would contain all of you (even if the style was not ideal, the amenities lacking). You settled for speed over perfection, and it seemed to be a worthy sacrifice… until you realized what district a property forced you to claim.

The nearby school is not one you wish to choose. It suffers from too many students and too few resources, is sagging beneath the weight of its own inefficiency. You don’t want your children to attend this public nightmare; but the state laws are defined all too clearly. All individuals found within this specific boundary must enroll. This is the rule.

It’s one you don’t want to accept — and it’s one you don’t have to.

While public institutions are shaped by their borders, private schools are not. The advantage parents can achieve by choosing them is one of selection, not necessity. Any school can be sought. There is no longer the need to remain within a neighborhood (or even a town, if you are willing to bear the commute). These organizations will instead accept students from any distance.

And this becomes imperative when you’re seeking to provide a college-worthy education for your sons and daughters.

The worry of districts has forever prevailed among parents; and any relocations were faced with dread, assumed to be too limiting. The notion of private schools, however, ensures that the miles won’t define your childrens’ experiences. They will instead be allowed to learn where you wish them to — and such a choice is vital.

Public education is not to be maligned. It is, however, to be recognized for its potential complications. Understand your area and what it truly means to remain within it.

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Public Convenience: Tolerance

The world is shaped to customs, to the strange philosophies — all passed down from generation to generation, changed to reflect the modern needs. There are differences to discover. There are ideas to greet. And the classrooms filled with all races, religions and creeds create an education that can’t be refused… unless parents are considering a private institution.

There are endless advantages to private schools. This could never be refused. They provide sterling selections of courses, extracurriculars and community service programs. They ensure that each child is offered the necessary attention and relief. They do not, however, provide the wanted cultural experiences. Instead they are defined to the shocking similarities.

The majority of pupils within private schools will come from identical social and religious backgrounds. There will be occasional distinctions (often from the inclusion of scholarship students or those receiving financial aid). Most, however, will be defined to the same standards. And this is not a value parents should want.

To succeed in the world all most be aware of those who help to create it. Tolerance is needed; compassion is required; and there must be an understanding of how to relate to the ones who are so very different. A public education guarantees exposure to all forms of cultures and customs. It ensures that students will not be overwhelmed by new opinions or ideas. Instead they will learn (early) to accept these and consider them valid.

This is essential in an age when continents can be bridged so easily. Countries are no longer contained within their borders. They can instead sprawl wide, seeking out connections. And students must be able to do the same — an action that becomes infinitely more difficult when their lives have been kept to the sterile similarities.

A public education is precisely what its name implies: an education for the public. All are included and all can be taught the essential lessons. It’s an experience that can’t be denied.

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The Public Advantage: Cost

There is a truth you must admit, a realization you can’t deny: you are without the essential dollars. Finance eludes you, proving to be cruel. There are no funds you can spare. There are no pennies to be offered. Every single cent you make is to be claimed by your family, your debt and your utility concerns. The notion of saving money is one you don’t believe to exist — and the demands of a private education are ones you could never match.

For many families seeking out private schools is an impossibility. The tuition fees are too high and the endless extra expenses are staggering. Discovering the value of accelerated courses is simply not practical — and yet many still try to obtain these, wanting their children to gain the chance to succeed.

Such success can come with a heavy price, however. A lifestyle can be drastically changed. Poor credit can accumulate. And the stress of meeting the many requirements can strain all parents.

It’s important therefore that families recognize the value of public schools instead.

Too often are these institutions thought to be unworthy — they are considered without the essential courses and credits, the college preparation. While some are admittedly not able to match the standards of their private counterparts, many still can. And these offer more than just a solid education. They instead can offer it for free.

There are no payments needed to enroll your child in a public school. For families already burdened with a budget this is a relief that can’t be denied. All individuals — no matter their gender, race, religion or social status — are able to attend these facilities. There is no distinction to be made and no fees to provide. And this allows all parents to focus on enhancing their lives instead of scrambling always to offer money.

Public education is free — and this is a value that can’t be dismissed so easily.

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