I Wish I Were in Public School Again

At the ripe old age of 58, I realize that is unlikely to happen. Besides, as I have previously posted I didn’t like it all that much the first time. But now, it would be different. For , you see, something is going to happen on September 8, 2009 that has never happened in the history of American public education.

President Barack Obama is going to make a live  address to all public school students on the above referenced day. Wonder what he will say ? Will there be any advance notice of the topic?  What could be the purpose of such  a speech? For example, what benefit are children in the early grades(K–2) going to get from it ? Is it a type of indoctrination as I have seen from some who are concerned? Or is that an overreaction? Hard to say without  knowing somthing about his speech. I really am a bit disturbed about it  in some ways and would in all likelihood feel the same regardless of which President was speaking. For example, when a President makes a prime time address whichis somewhat commonplace, there is an option or two available. Watch something else or turn off the television come to mind. In the public school  setting, there is the prototypical captive audience.  Plus, teachers will presumbly have beenpreparing their students in advance for the address. Who is the President, what do you know about him, etc.

Also, bear in mind that teachers or at least their unions skew heavily Democrat  and this could be  a  factoras well. So, should parents who have doubts keep their children at home, go with them if possible or what? What about home schooled children or children in private schools? Are they automatically excluded? Just seems to be lots of unanswered questions. I suppose I am just thinking out loud, so to speak, since  my children are long gone from public school. I do have  a 4th grade grandson and I will surely be interested to hear his take on the speech.

Oh, one more thing, if a child is kept home that day by their parents, will they  be excused or not? So many questions and so few answers. Michele Malkin has a great post on the topic today, entitled “No Junior Lobbyist Left Behind.” She has  some good references of other  examples of children being “used”  politically.