10-17-2009, 08:45 AM
Some thoughtful and practical replies here-- it's heartening to see that.
I think it's important to consider that there are two sorts of issues that face the students--there are both immediate issues and systemic issues that threaten their futures. Immediate issues for example might be: hunger, abuse, poverty, violence(at home or school) or elsewise that gets in the way of an education. Systemic issues may involve lack of funding, or corruption, such of that manner. Both matter. However--it's important to note that immediate issues are poorly addressed by systemic responses--and are never addressed in real time. So, while civic involvement may be constructive, it will require more than that from the community. Unfortunately the unspoken subsidy--those picking up that slack-- is often the teachers themselves, purchasing lunches for kids, or providing class materials, or otherwise, at personal expense. It's a tough spot to be in but that's reality.
http://sensiblesimplicity.lefora.com/
I think it's important to consider that there are two sorts of issues that face the students--there are both immediate issues and systemic issues that threaten their futures. Immediate issues for example might be: hunger, abuse, poverty, violence(at home or school) or elsewise that gets in the way of an education. Systemic issues may involve lack of funding, or corruption, such of that manner. Both matter. However--it's important to note that immediate issues are poorly addressed by systemic responses--and are never addressed in real time. So, while civic involvement may be constructive, it will require more than that from the community. Unfortunately the unspoken subsidy--those picking up that slack-- is often the teachers themselves, purchasing lunches for kids, or providing class materials, or otherwise, at personal expense. It's a tough spot to be in but that's reality.
http://sensiblesimplicity.lefora.com/