There are so many thoughts going through my head right now, but none I particularly want to flesh out this weary, May, pre-dawn morning. They seem too big, too deep to be tackled before the requisite amount of coffee is consumed. I'll list them here, just so you know: the whitewashing of the history curriculum and attempt to erase social justice from the collective vocabulary by our state government, very nearly accomplished; the need for all students and their families to be seen in our school library collections, if only, and importantly, to save lives; the inequity caused by something so simple as lack of text in children's homes (and daily attention to it) at 0 to 3 years of age.
See, I told you--big thoughts that call for deep diving. But there's a sense of urgency surrounding them, too, that says we don't have time to go down under, something must be done now.
The only now I can face with any sense of confidence is the work ahead of me today, this week, this summer, lots of mundane details that I can list and check off. But maybe, just maybe, there will be some chiseling moments in that work, chipping away at those big issues at my own little corner of the monolithic establishment.
Deep diving is one thing, but merely calling out these issues is also crucial. As you said, "if only, and importantly, to save lives." Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your companion thoughts, Jennifer. It seems that just when things are getting just a teeny bit better, the good ol' boy network that is TX government tries to slide us back a few decades. I pray it is challenged and they are pulled into the twenty-first century.
Delete"Chipping away at those big issues at my own little corner of the monolithic establishment" - are you ever singing my song, Chris. I understand the sense of urgency and need to start making change now; I can find the looming mountain of it overwhelming. Today while reading another post, however, I thought about how the next step (not scaling the whole mountain) is the most important thing. I am reminded of it again here, and am encouraged.
ReplyDeleteI feel that tiny steps are all I can take, Fran. The few times I've tried emailing my "representatives" (most of the time, they certainly don't represent my interests), I end up on their fan mail list...ugh. So all I can do is maintain my diverse library collection, speak up and out about fairness (which is a concept most children understand) and listen, listen, listen to my friends in those groups our state government continues to marginalize.
DeleteIssues plagued schools these days. We do what is directed but in truth we need to open little kids' minds. Best of luck as you chisel away at the big issues, Chris. Hope to see you on SJT this week with the theme, Blossoms of Joy.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carol. I am lucky to work for a district that has a Diversity Officer! I am now wondering how that will be affected by legislature...We are a VERY diverse school district, and I hope districts like ours push back at the government from the highest levels...I certainly don't feel like teachers are often truly listened to.
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