Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, November 17, 1995 TAG: 9511170032
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-18 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: WILMA N. THURMAN
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Again, we're blaming the "lack of student achievement" entirely on public-school systems. The editorial stated that "a widely respected national test" assessing students' progress confirmed that "57 percent of high-school seniors don't have a basic understanding of American history." The editorial went on to say that apparently public schools have strayed too far from teaching the basic facts of American history.
This ignorance of American history is indeed shameful, but should citizens blame public schools (i.e., public-school teachers) entirely for this problem? Could it be that parents of today's students (myself included) should share the blame with the public-school system? After all, how many of today's parents proudly discuss our country's history and heritage? In fact, how many parents have the knowledge, and are able to do so? Not many, I dare say.
This year, our nation celebrates 50 years since World War II. Many grandparents remember this time vividly, and are proud to have lived through it. Many of these same grandparents actually fought in World War II or in the Korean War. They are proud to share their stories with us (if we would just listen). These people are proud to be Americans, and are proud to have fought for their country.
Let's go back 30 years to another war - in Vietnam. Again, our country sent its bravest and proudest young men and women to fight. What was the reason, you may ask? Good question. It was asked then, too.
These brave young fighters lost many comrades (and many hopes and dreams) in a long, desperate battle. Well, fellow parents, can you tell me if we won that war? When you tell your child about this war, can you point to Vietnam on a map? Can you tell your child how we treated these young soldiers, who spent part of their young lives fighting for us, when they returned from the battles? Can you be proud to be an American, and spark your child's interest in American history?
Now, let's get back to today's students. According to the editorial, "every generation at middle age looks back in astonishment at the ignorance of the ones coming along behind them." Well, fellow parents, have you done your part - yes, believe it or not, parents do have a part in raising their children - in teaching your children about our history? Or have you criticized everything from taxes to elections to health care to President Clinton?
Have you shown your children how proud you are to be an American? Have you made them want to know about American history?
OK, forget it. Let's just go back and blame public schools for our children's lack of knowledge. It's much easier that way.
Parents, all I ask is that you think about it.
Wilma N. Thurman, of Moneta, is a part-time student seeking teacher certification at Roanoke College.
by CNB