Differences in culture
INDN_LOVER said:
"Separate but equal" NEVER worked in South Africa or in the U.S. south, even if we're only talking about schools.
Maybe the issue is remedial help for ANY kids who are struggling.
After all, "1 + 1 = 2" means the same for ALL of us doesn't it ?
How can the answer be misconstrued coz of "culture" as some do gooders would suggest?
... and I don't see how separating black kids from their white or asian classmates benefits Canadian society as a whole. Hell, my apartment building might as well be UN HQ in NYC ! We gotta learn to get along.
Personally I think it's bad enough we have schoolboards based on religion.
Just a few points:
a) 1 + 1 = 2 in any country, culture, race, language, alien race etc. The
basics of what is being taught is not necessarly culturally, or ethnically
biased. The equation for Water is still H2O, the laws of physics still hold
true
b) The influx of immigrants from all corners of the world into our educational
system has been a tremendous challenge for our educators
c) Every immigrant may have a different set of values and understanding of
how the system works. For example, people from certain parts of the
world believe strongly that schools have the right to corporal punishment
This type of strict discipline usually exists in the home as well
A child who goes to school has a hard time understanding this laxity and
may not respond to our canadian educational system well. A teacher
who does not have a good understanding of the child's background is
unable to motivate the child, and brands the child lazy or slow.
Unable to get this child focused, the teacher moves onto someone she
can help.
RESULT: Frustrated child does not learn. Frustrated teacher does not
teach, frustrated parents blame it on the system...
some fool comes along and says "we need more culturally focused schools"
HERE'S A BRIGHT IDEA: INSTEAD OF FOCUSING ON HOW THE SYSTEM IS AGAINST YOU, WHY NOT WORK OUT A WAY TO WORK WITHIN THE SYSTEM
BRIGHT IDEA # 2. If the educational system is so great in these countries,
how come the country is still 3rd world.
BRIGHT IDEA # 3... How about focusing on helping the kids adjust properly to Canadian society, and adapt Canada as a home, not just a place where we are staying for a while until we save up enough money to go "back home"
BRIGHT IDEA #4.... How about if the parents stop lamenting about how difficult this country is, and start celebrating how wonderful it is. How about if the parents stop "going home" every 6 months and use their time to learn about and expore our great country.
I know that our system has flaws at all levels (corporate,government, educational etc.), that racism and racial bias exist, that the world is not fair, that sometimes bad things happen to good people..... but I for one would not trade it for any other country's problems.
I strongly believe that a move towards ethnically based schools is huge step backwards.