I have so enjoyed reading your Contrarian's Notebook, but today's "Parents vs. Teachers"
entry really grabbed me. I lived the story of having the blessing of an experiment in education that
was life-changing for me and my class mates.
Can you imagine ten years (1940-1949) of 4th-7th graders having a reunion bringing together former classmates from around the world 60-70 years after graduation? That's right: graduates of public school who became lawyers, doctors, professors, scientists, accountants, authors, documentary makers, businessmen who left their mark and even one who became a leader in the genealogical world following a business career that took him to the four corners of the world!
We were blessed with that rare combination of forward-thinking school officials, truly remarkable
teachers, and supportive parents that together ensured we would have an optimal educational
experience.
Why it died speaks volumes about what happens when the founding teachers retire and jealous
parents of other students in the school complain about the privileged students getting all the
attention and new school officials not willing to fight the fight. It was a sad day.
From reader Stanley Diamond, Montreal:
I have so enjoyed reading your Contrarian's Notebook, but today's "Parents vs. Teachers"
entry really grabbed me. I lived the story of having the blessing of an experiment in education that
was life-changing for me and my class mates.
Can you imagine ten years (1940-1949) of 4th-7th graders having a reunion bringing together former classmates from around the world 60-70 years after graduation? That's right: graduates of public school who became lawyers, doctors, professors, scientists, accountants, authors, documentary makers, businessmen who left their mark and even one who became a leader in the genealogical world following a business career that took him to the four corners of the world!
We were blessed with that rare combination of forward-thinking school officials, truly remarkable
teachers, and supportive parents that together ensured we would have an optimal educational
experience.
Why it died speaks volumes about what happens when the founding teachers retire and jealous
parents of other students in the school complain about the privileged students getting all the
attention and new school officials not willing to fight the fight. It was a sad day.