Comments on: Did Dick & Jane Run Away?

By: Holly’s Corner Blog » No Child Left Behind Ensures Children Are Left Behind

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 03:17:15 +0000

[...] I have a growing frustration about our educational standards in the United States today. I’ve voiced some of my concerns in the past. Today the fires of my frustration have been refueled. [...]

By: caro

caro — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 00:52:12 +0000

OK, so I randomly came across your site in my quest for a Dick and Jane illustration on Google Image Search (I’m an illustration major.), and I just have to point out that the “security and basics of Dick and Jane” also taught kids sexist and elitist stereotypes…certainly NOT the reality check you have in mind. Our education system definately needs work, but going back to the flawed, ignorant methods of the past is not going to prepare our kids for the future.
Definately with you on the bafflement at the homework kids bring home these days, though. If a well-read, well-educated, 21 year old can’t understand the directions, how is a six year old supposed to?! (Not my kid, by the way…)

I’m so glad you’d drop in and leave a comment!

By: Impersonal Education requires Involved Parents. - 1SmartMom.com

Impersonal Education requires Involved Parents. - 1SmartMom.com — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 11:58:42 +0000

[...] I really enjoyed Holly’s personal story, and you must read it and part II. She speaks of how her daughter was failing the basic skills testing, and the teachers thought she could not learn. The truth was she was reading as well, if not better, than some of the other students. Holly was very angry, rightfully so, that the teachers and other educators had not taken the time with her daughter enough to see that maybe she doesn’t test well, but truly is learning. I am not sure of what the solution is, but testing children blindly across the board apparrently did not work in this case. [...]

By: From “Dick and Jane” To “Where’s That Stupid Stork?” - 1SmartMom.com

Wed, 18 Oct 2006 11:12:59 +0000

[...] While I have asked the questions of “what type of schooling is best for your child?”, I haven’t come to my final conclusions yet. I was reading over at Holly’s Corner, and she had some great thoughts on the subject of schooling. She asks “did Dick and Jane run away?”, speaking of course of the early reader books “Dick and Jane”. I don’t need to say much, she says it all, so go read her article today, and let her know how you feel about it. I am especially excited to feature Holly this week, I have been reading her blog, and her mine, for a few months now. She is an adoptive mom and she, with her husband, have a site called “Hope To Adopt”. ( Linked from her blog as well ) While I am hoping to soon add my dear friend Kelly to my site, able to give advice to adoptive parents (or hopefuls) that I can not, Holly seems to have the same heart for adoptive parents as Kelly does. To help walk newly adoptive parents through the process, the red tape, and the emotional roller coasters that come with the whole process. Having so many friends who have adopted, and had trouble with conception, this is very dear to my heart. While I can not begin to say “I know what you are going through”, these ladies can. Knowing that the process can be so hard sometimes, I also know what a blessing children are to someone’s life, no matter how they come to you. And I know, all too well, that mother’s of unplanned pregnancy have their own, very hard, very emotional, decisions to make. Having someone that can help walk you through that decision making process is something you will never forget. I know I haven’t! Participate! Leave your comment. [...]

By: Bonnie

Bonnie — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 15:29:20 +0000

Well said Holly! You’re absolutely right about the system becoming experts in research and not teaching. Good thing there was another school your daughter could attend.

By: Jaime

Jaime — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 23:41:29 +0000

Wonderful post! I was a teacher in the Bronx for years. I felt all of this pressure to get the kids to pass the test, but nothing else. What happened to encouraging thinking? This is one reason I’d love to start a charter.

Thanks for your comments on my post.

By: Kailani

Kailani — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 22:42:41 +0000

I think now days the school system places too much stress on young children. They are taught to compete and excel at such an early age. We sometimes forget that they’re just children.

Here via Carnival of Family Life but you know I would’ve stopped by anyway!

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 22:32:53 +0000

As a former public school teacher, charter school parent and current homeschooler I relate to your frustrations.

I found what you said at the end about people being more in touch with reality and less dependent on experts ect very interesting. I have a friend who is a nurse who has basically told me the same thing about the medical profession. Perhaps as a society we have become too dependent on the “facts, evidence and experts,” become too objective and lost our ability to be subjective?

By: Kerri

Kerri — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 17:55:54 +0000

Oh, how I can relate! We’re homeschooling b/c of the district we’re in, but using an on-line school and curriculum. So there’s still the struggle with the system and requirements and such, but at least I can explain it to her as we go (and as best as I understand it!). Can’t imagine how confused we’d otherwise be!!

By: Jenny Ryan

Jenny Ryan — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 13:21:47 +0000

Yes! This is exactly why I left classroom teaching and became a one-on-one tutor. Thank you for this thoughtful post.