This poem and the podcast have significant meaning for me since my father, a Korean War veteran, is presently recovering from a stroke. Like most of those who have served, he doesn’t talk much about his combat experience. Dad considers it an honor and duty to have defended the United States. In fact, he would probably say that raising a family and serving are the most important accomplishments of his life. Thanks Dad, you are my hero. Thanks veterans, we owe you so much. Happy Veterans Day.

Back Home

When the dust has finally settled
And it’s time for coming home,
Some who’ve faced the danger
Are often left alone,
To fend for self and family.
Just looking for solid ground –
All too often returning hero’s
Find a world turned upside down.

 My dad is a Veteran Soldier,
Who fought in a far off land.
He never asked for anything,
Yet always lent a hand
In service to his country.
He did what he was told
In a place called Korea –
A kid out in the cold.

 Vets much like my father
Do their duty every day.
Often away from loved ones,
In the midst of dangerous fray.
Back home we often argue
About the missions they embark –
While benefiting from their duties
With little thought for lasting marks.

 Soon there will be much chatter
About the ending of the wars.
But, most Veteran Soldiers
Say little of what they saw.
Be careful where you send them
For some won’t be coming back
From the mountains of Afghanistan
Or the deserts of Iraq.

 For those of us who benefit
By living in the U.S.A.
Please keep in mind the efforts
Of Soldiers who went away.
They probably expect little.
They definitely deserve more.
Let’s make sure they’re taken care of
For they’ve seen the cost of war.

As we are about to enter a new school year let us remind ourselves of the potential that children have, as well as our obligations to ensure that they are given equal opportunity. Eventually all third graders grow up to be adults. For those who end up facing some of life’s more daunting challenges, it is important to show a bit of compassion and understanding. Sometimes it takes a child-like innocence to remind us that we are all in this together.

Macie Brown

A place not far away,
At hometown elementary school,
Children were coming back inside
Following some recess play.

After a brief refreshing snack,
Then drinks from plastic cups,
Students were all asked to share
‘what i’ll be when all grown up!’

Nicole and Armani spoke of athletics.
Tom and Sulina liked outer space.
Garrett wanted to be a fireman
And Shauna described owning mother’s place.

When nearly all had spoken,
Teacher was appreciative of the share,
Up stood little Macie Brown,
The last to leave her chair

“When grown up years from now
I want to be without friends –
Perhaps homeless, or addicted,
The last to leave her chair.
Maybe illness without end.

I’d reside in a shelter
Or prison better still,
Growing up all alone
Beneath the evening’s chill.”

Returning back to her seat
Classmates turned and stared
While Macie was merely wondering
If anyone truly cared.

Today there are many children
In each and every town –
Sitting in their tiny chairs
Who hear the words of Macie Brown.

Returning back to her seat
classmates turned and stared
while Macie was merely wondering
if anyone truly cared.

Today there are many children
in each and every town –
sitting in their tiny chairs
who hear the words of Macie Brown.

It’s morality by pocketbook. Money can create a Potemkin village illusion that all people are treated equally. We continue to fall for that illusion. As Bob Dylan once wrote “Money doesn’t talk, it swears.”

Cliven Bundy’s comments, Paula Deen’s fiasco and now Donald Sterling’s diatribe, these are salient examples of just how volatile race relations continue to be. As a nation we’ve come a long way, but there is still much to be done. There may always be individuals like these folks. Sometimes they wind up paying a heavy price – fines, condemnation, becoming a historical pariah. Still, larger problems exist. Why are they sometimes allowed to maintain positions of power? Why didn’t others speak out against them? We will single out an occasional jerk from time to time, but fail to recognize cultures that allow them to function.

Donald Sterling’s comments are certainly cause for concern, but what motivates a portion of our response is troublesome. It appears as though the National Basketball Association was more influenced by sponsors pulling advertisements than simply doing the right thing.

We have made some significant inroads when it comes to race relations in America. But, let us not fool ourselves. There is not as much benevolence going on in the NBA as many would like to think. There is also not as much altruism (and benevolence) happening in parts of Corporate America as well. All too often it is more about money than it is about doing what is right. Money cannot buy you love – but it seems to be able to buy the appearance of tolerance in some instances.

Now, if only the Native Americans could have a bit more clout with Corporate America.

Unfortunately, this situation has been brewing for some time. As a culture we have adopted ‘a pill for every occasion’ attitude. While modern medicine has brought many wonders, an over-reliance on medicinal interventions, especially for anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns is troubling. All too often treatment has been reduced to a pill. All too often counseling therapy and behavioral modifications have been minimized, while medicines have been given center stage. Doctors and the Pharmaceutical Industry need to tighten up on many procedures. In addition, the general public needs to examine its value set. We need to become better informed about the pros and cons of the drugs offered to us. We also have to ask, are we using our prescriptions appropriately?

The proliferation of prescriptions written for anxiety and depression has had a ‘good news, bad news’ effect. The good news is that many suffering from often debilitating conditions are now given relief. The bad news comes from the fact that other strategies (that should be implemented along with prescriptions) are ignored. The end result of this is that the development of coping skills is becoming something of the past.

Adding fuel to the argument are the mixed messages we often send out about drugs. Our prisons are filled with individuals who have been found guilty of drug possession and delivery. At the same time far too many wearing ties and lab coats make millions and sit as members of the Chamber of Commerce while over prescribing powerful medications. We have become accustomed to listening to Doctors. It appears as though some do not deserve that trust. Whatever happened to the Hippocratic oath?

Much of the present opiate crisis can be attributed to pain relief. Many addicts have become hooked on powerful medications due to their seeking help for chronic pain. Where once experts used terms like ‘Gateway Drugs’ to discuss a common line of progression for addicts – things have changed. Many new addicts did not use tobacco, alcohol and marijuana. Some go directly to opiates. Then, once hooked, resort to heroin as a cheaper alternative (once an addiction sets in).

We have a ways to go in terms of addressing this crisis. Already advocates are pushing to expand the availability of Narcan to help curtail overdose deaths. In addition, measures are being put in place to better monitor faulty ‘scripts. These initiatives are a good first step, but much more is needed. Extra emphasis needs to be placed on education and prevention. Also, emphasis needs to be placed on balancing medications with alternatives (like Counseling Therapy). Many communities have created Drop-off Bins in an attempt to ameliorate the abuse of opiates.

The city of Providence is going all out in that regard on April 26^th (the Elmwood Avenue site will include food, music and more). Other communities around the state are also getting on board to address what has now become the leading cause of accidental deaths. Much more needs to get done, now is a good time to start.

While Philip Seymour Hoffman’s death gained national attention, health officials in RI report that there have been more than 40 Heroin overdose deaths so far this year. It is also reported that many of those who died did so after using heroin that was mixed with Fentanyl (an extremely dangerous mixture). At the current rate, I am hearing that hundreds of Rhode Islanders will die this year due to overdosing on heroin. Sadly, this is merely the tip of the iceberg.

I have asserted, for some time now, that we have created a drug for every occasion. In the past, a few of my articles sarcastically insinuated that pharmaceutical companies had a division that made up illnesses to match already developed medications. Even though this might not be true I do have a sense of trepidation due to the proliferation of scripts written for Adderall, pain meds (especially those in the opioid class) and anti-anxiety drugs. While performing wonders – uncontrolled marketing and the overuse of some of these medications should make us wonder. Follow the money.

A recent to advocate for their products. In addition, 22 doctors were paid more than $500,000.00 each. Again, many of these medications, when used appropriately, can produce excellent results. The term here is – used appropriately.

Much of the present heroin crisis can be attributed to the rise of use and abuse of prescription medications (especially those used for pain relief). Heroin has now become the cheaper alternative for addicts desperate for a fix. We have some work to do. Part of that work has to do with looking at a culture that has created a proliferation of prescription medication use.

While we debate the legalization of marijuana (and rightfully so) a more immediate concern has exploded upon the scene. While we worry about folks smoking and selling pot, many who wear lab coats are over prescribing at an alarming rate. I wonder what Hippocrates would think? I am also no fan of seeing people getting hooked on prescription meds.

Without question the vast majority of those who prescribe do so with caution. In addition, science has changed along with what constitutes therapy. This is most evident in the mental health fields. I merely urge that we look at the role prescription meds play in our society. We should also take a look at how drugs (inclusive of marijuana, alcohol and tobacco) impact society as well. Hopefully, we have not become accustomed to having medications perform some of the tasks we might otherwise do ourselves.

It is certainly a positive step forward for officials to initiate advocacy for Narcan availability. It is also great that we are beginning to listen to some public health officials who are ahead of the curve. This should only be the beginning of an effort to ameliorate a dangerous situation.

It appears as though we are creating a cottage industry where our actions create illnesses only to have them addressed by medications we invent. Stress and anxiety disorders abound – much of which we created by our lifestyles (schooling, overuse of technology, marketing medications, pace of life, etc.). Again, some of our medicinal discoveries are wonderful. My concerns are quite simple. We have to develop common sense drug policies in our country. The present situation is completely out of control.

For many years now I have been expressing some concerns about how we enculturate and educate young people. The most salient of these concerns being an over emphasis on technology, a proliferation of prescription medications and the scripted, standardized test based education that is offered young people at present. These opinions, while mine, might also be backed up by many in the counseling and education fields. Despite such view points many folks continue to advocate for the very Kool-Aid that is hurting our kids. Why? Some think that individuals like me are way off base and that problems are to a large extent fabricated. Others dismiss warning signs due to politics, power and perpetual motion. Whatever the reason, kids are the ones who are impacted most. What is that about children being our future?

In some ways we have created a cottage industry for testing companies, the Pharmaceutical Industry, some Educational Theorists and a number of business leaders. All of this has led us to view kids as receptacles waiting to be filled with data. The pace of the world has significantly changed over the last 15-20 years. During this time, kids have become plugged in to technology so much that they have little time to interact with each other. During this time, play has become organized, education standardized and anxiety, depression, ADHD along with a sense of alienation, have become common concerns. Don’t believe me – just ask a School Nurse, Social Worker or Guidance Counselor. Most teachers would concur as well. Many remain quiet for fear of retribution from those higher up. It is not Rocket Science. In fact, it is really about stuff like money, reputation, politics, power and perpetual motion. It is also about the wrong people driving educational policy.

Fixing matters is actually quite simple. Bring back things like recess and study halls to start. We should also advocate that mom and dad encourage their children to get unplugged and go outside to play. Then let us follow up by having districts drop out of the Standardized Testing as a graduation requirement, along with Common Core and we are showing some progress. These few modifications would create opportunities for kids to interact, as well as for schools to emphasize a broader spectrum of courses.

Another modification I would encourage would have to be in the area of technology. We need to slow down a bit. I realize that espousing such a belief is heresy these days. It goes without saying that technology has a prominent place in today’s world. In the future it appears that it will hold an even greater place. While the advantages are obvious the shortcomings are as well (or should be).

This is not a call for the elimination of technology. That would be absurd. This is more a call to infuse social skills dynamics into our curricula in order to enhance the use of technology. Unfortunately there are those who consider such views as technophobic. Caution, promoting mental health and seeking to advance social interactions represents the thinking of dinosaurs to them. More Kool-Aid please!

The technology schools purchase today is antiquated almost immediately. Because of this, requests for the ‘newest’ equipment will appear on school committee’s budgets frequently. Without question technology can advance education in extremely positive ways. I applaud our schools for constantly seeking to challenge and support young people. Technology can play a role. Keeping up will be a challenge. It will eventually force school officials to choose between technology and other services. All of this at a time when kids need support and human contact more than ever. Seeking a balance is going to be tricky. Not finding a balance will help to maintain a cycle where kids spend less and less time developing social skills.

Parents can help here as well. All too often, kids spend hours staring at computer screens. All too often, kids are plugged in to some device. Again, technology can do great things. So can a walk, discussion with friends and a family vacation.

I know that none of this is going to happen anytime soon. As a matter of fact, our present course is headed in the opposite direction. The messages the general population get, regarding the country’s youth, centers upon our being behind many other nations (especially in education). This causes panic for some. It represents opportunity for others. While our education system certainly has issues, it also exhibits significant strengths. What are they, you ask?

Folks come from all over the world to US Schools. Why’s that? Our Colleges and Universities are pretty good. Folks leave their homes to come to this country for a reason as well. Again, we have problems–lots of them. We have prejudice, poverty and way too much violence. Sometimes we stick our noses in other people’s business and far too often the country’s political system gets bogged down. Still, people come here in droves. That is because we have a system that can change and evolve. That is because there is flexibility here. There also are multiple possibilities. Kids who struggle with school can still catch up with GEDs, junior college, technical schools, job trainings and later on, 4 year schools, if they choose. That is of course, if they can survive High School. That does not occur everywhere. Kids in this country can get back into the game (in most instances).

What is happening now is a step backwards for young people. We have created a herd mentality that often denies diplomas, promotes stress and encourages conformity. In many ways we have reverted back to a mentality that views kids as mini adults. Maybe it is not quite Oliver Twist, but ‘reviewing the situation’ might find us wanting in terms of understanding child development. In fact, our culture spends more incarcerating people than educating them.

Today, business leaders influence the Educational Powers to enact subject matter that produces workers, rather than capable thinkers and citizens. We have also created a system where kids from poor neighborhoods, those with special needs and many English Language Learners are negatively impacted due to educational policies. Worse still, the education folk have let this happen. Welcome to the K-12 Matrix.

My final modification (in terms of this article) concerns recognizing the uniqueness of childhood and adolescence. While it is imperative that children be taught skills, discipline, socialization and responsibility, they should also be encouraged to explore, have fun and use their imaginations. In recent times much of this ‘stuff’ has been curtailed. The end result is the perfunctory form of learning we have today. That might be great for test scores and getting accepted to college, but for critical thinking, social skills and long-term relationships, it is a disaster. Did you ever think that we would have to teach people how to sleep, concentrate and be mindful? We are so busy multitasking that few of us are in the moment.

Don’t you think we should try to find time in our curriculums for moments of meaning? Don’t you think we should help kids discover life’s ‘whys’ along with the ‘hows’?  The schools cannot be asked to carry these burdens alone. Parents are essential. The community plays an important role as well. When adults tell young people that they matter good things often happen. This needs to be infused into our messages far more often. Choosing to matter should be an everyday theme so that making kids matter comes into fruition.

I am confidant things can change. No need to give up on technology and accountability. What needs to occur is balance. What also needs to occur is for us to check our priorities (and who our influences are). Somehow we have come to believe that preparing kids for work is more important than for life (including possible career options). If only Charles Dickens were around today. He would recognize the exploitation that comes in modern form. Rest well Pete Seeger. When will we ever learn?

Cultural reform should precede educational reform as an American necessity. While the state of our school systems certainly needs addressing, the components of that scrutiny call some major concerns into play. Poverty, race, economic fairness, the use of technology, power, money, etc. all impact how kids are taught (as well as what they are taught).

What do we value? What do we need to do for our future generations? How do we treat each other? Are there ways that we can help others be successful in our culture? Before making sure that everyone dances to the beat of the same academic drum we might want to consider these questions and many more. Short–sighted solutions might lead some to do well on tests. What this means is open to conjecture. Whether or not this present mode of instruction leads to creativity, critical thinking and the skills necessary for the world can certainly be questioned.

A mantra of RIDE’s has long been ‘no excuses’ when it comes to students not passing the NECAPs. The department believes that language barriers, poverty and learning disabilities should not be factored in as to why or why not a child struggles in school. What they miss here is the difference between an excuse and a factor. One seeks to absolve individuals, or a group, from taking responsibility, while the other considers obstacles that need to be addressed. Although I agree with RIDE’s premise that all kids can achieve at a high level, ignoring the fact that not everyone begins from the same point is absurd. In addition, assuming that all students learn the same way is equally absurd.

Does anyone really believe that the Providence and Central Falls teachers are incompetent, or, do not care? Why then are schools in those districts threatened with closing and takeovers? Why are teachers in any district blamed for not having kids achieve on Standardized Tests when many young learners cannot understand the language, have disabilities or have not yet been taught the material?

Somehow I think that we can do better than this. Somehow I believe that we understand what fairness is. Educating our young people is such an important thing. It can open doors, lead to wonder and help create a lifelong desire to learn. It is a gift we can offer this and generations to come. It is not Rocket Science but done right can turn us all into stars.

Will we offer up excuses as to why an exciting, enriching and pertinent education is not offered to kids?  Or, will we create additional factors that will help all learners achieve a dynamic education? There is much to consider. But, consider this. Isn’t it odd that the United States pays more to put someone in prison than support them in school? Isn’t it also odd that we spend more on war than education? Perhaps we need to change our priorities.

On December 10^th the Academy Foundation will hold its 3^rd in a series of forums addressing the role standardized tests play in education. The Forum will be held at East Greenwich Town Hall and run from 6:30–8:30 pm. Whether you are for or against please come and participate. How we educate young people will have a significant impact on all of our lives for years to come.

So, sit back friends,
it’s a scary tale
about what happens
when school kids fail.

This story, macabre,
has goblins and ghouls,
all of whom
prey on our schools.

The Curse of the Pumpkin

There once was a time.
There once was a place,
where teaching kids
became a race.

Where kids were tested
day and night
to see if they
could answer just right.

They raced in the cities.
They raced in the towns.
Each student was rated
either up or down.

In order to determine
who was the best,
folks at the top
had invented a test.

Called it the NECAP
and gave it much weight.
If you didn’t pass it,
you’d graduate late.

Or perhaps worse,
not at all.
This test was given
each and every fall.

Those folks at the top
of a place called RIDE
looked at the testing
with all kinds of pride.

They talked about measures,
standards and failings.
They talked of how
those teachers were derailing

their efforts to test
each laddie and lass.
“How dare they,” one stated,
“have each student pass.”

Now, some of the children
from very rich schools
had little problem
playing RIDE’s rules.

Many tested quite high.
Few tested quite low.
Most were quite sure
of which college they’d go.

It didn’t quite matter
what they had learned.
All anyone cared
was the grade each kid earned.

But, for a number of children
it was hard to write.
They spoke different languages
or their wallets were tight.

And, when considering math,
those with special needs
were hurt worst of all.
Were hurt most indeed.

At a moment when things
where going so slow,
voices from Providence
told which way to go.

Students of Color
Hispanic and White,
all came together
to do something right.

They sang in the evening.
They spoke in the day.
Telling all listeners
testing wasn’t the way.

Then lo and behold,
other strong voices
followed the students
extolling new choices.

Rumblings and bumblings
came from the top.
The boss of all bosses
said, “This has to stop.”

So she sent out henchmen,
set down new rules,
fired some teachers,
closed some old schools.

Then, with all of this done
and much more said,
she brought out new pencils
loaded with lead.

More tests were ordered
rather than less.
Why this was done
‘twas anyone’s guess.

When all seemed lost,
at a point of despair,
an autumn wind
provided something rare.

You see, dear reader,
during this autumn season,
many things happen
despite any reason.

The Mets won a series.
The NECAPs are done.
Bizarre things happen
with the shortening sun.

Yes, a Halloween gift
from a power unseen
turned everyone at RIDE
back into a teen.

And, not only that,
this is what’s best,
they were all forced to take
a standardized test.

When, surprise of surprises,
few of them passed,
each was ordered to
a remedial class.

For so many students
this nightmare is here.
Today’s graduation requirements
are something to fear.

EPILOGUE

Ask no questions,
get no tales,
Gates and his buddies
all did fail.

And let’s not forget
our friend Arne Duncan.
He too fell prey
to the ‘Curse of the Pumpkin.’

The End (or is it?)

On Wednesday, October 2nd a number of folks from around the state met at Warwick City Hall to participate in a forum concerning the NECAP and standardized testing. Opinions were offered, PowerPoints were discussed and there was plenty of passion to go around.

But the big thing that occurred was that the general public got to participate. No two-minute time limits and audience members actually got responses to their questions. This allowed for lively discussion and an opportunity to hear both sides of the issue.

And guess what? We’re not done. Following the forum, numerous people came forward and requested that additional forums be conducted around the state. Sounds good to us.

At this time, Providence and Newport will be sites for future discussions and others will be added as requests come in. The Providence Student Union, the RI ALCU and other advocacy groups have done a wonderful job bringing this issue to the forefront. We believe that their concerns need to be discussed on a statewide level. In short, we are looking to take the discussion out of the Board room and bring it to Main Street. Stay tuned for further details.

At a time when we are discussing relevance in education, a group of young people have taken it upon themselves to organize and advocate for a significant issue.  Rather than being referred to as a sideshow, they should be referred to as exemplars for promoting a cause.  They have done so with courage, intelligence and commitment.  Believe me, they are no sideshow.

It appears as though the discussion pertaining to the NECAPs has reached a jingoistic phase.  Again, this is unfortunate.  Maybe it is time for a public discussion where champions of both sides sit on a panel, articulate their points and discuss the issue in an open forum.   This has been promised in the past.  This appears incredibly necessary for the future.

I truly appreciate the efforts that many have put into this contentious concern.  I also firmly believe that those in advocate for the NECAP are as committed to their views as those who call for its elimination as a graduation requirement are.  Don’t you think it’s time that we all get in the same room and have an open and public discussion?  We owe it to the citizens of Rhode Island to provide accurate and clear information.  We owe it to Rhode Islanders to provided viable information in order that they might make an informed decision.  Let’s stop the finger pointing and insults and get back to intelligent people being involved in intelligent discourse.

At this time, a number of advocates and myself are planning a statewide forum to discuss the role that standardized tests like the NECAP play in our education system.  Stay tuned for more information.