EDU Trending: Cancelling Cancel Culture
If you want tolerance, you must be tolerant. It is a message that is gaining traction. A recent article suggests that the onslaught of so-called “woke” demands on college campuses may be starting to recede.
For the last few years, culture wars at universities have ramped up to a frenzied fury. Some far left progressives (often students) try to shout down the first amendment rights of anyone they accuse of being intolerant, bigoted, racist, or insensitive. Too often, college leaders acquiesce, leading to the firing of tenured professors, the bullying of guest speakers and fellow students, and the abandonment of civilized behavior and discourse.
Churlish shouting should produce nothing more than a sore throat. Unfortunately, it does more. It alienates moderate liberals who champion inclusion and diversity and fear being pilloried in the public square for expressing a different opinion. It also stokes the sanctimonious ire of the far right who can then side step addressing ethical issues and fear-monger about ‘woke leftist views.’
Wokeism is not the exclusive purview of the far left. The far right pushes its agenda using money, political power, and business leverage to strong arm, silence, or punish corporate entities who oppose their views. The fight between Florida and the Walt Disney Company is one example. After voicing its objection to the Republican Governor’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill, Disney’s special tax status was revoked by the Republican state legislature. The battle continues. Stay tuned..
Bottom line: A ‘my way or the highway’ approach is a road to nowhere – whether it comes from extremists of the left or the right.
The good news is that on some college campuses, common sense and civility are making a comeback. Leaders at the University of Chicago, Cornell, Stanford, and Harvard – are among those speaking up for civil rights and standing fast against unethical demands, bullying tactics, and crude behavior. Jenny Martinez, Stanford Law School Dean, notes, “The cycle of degenerating discourse won’t stop if we insist that people we disagree with must first behave the way we want them to…It stops when we choose to replace condemnation with curiosity; invective with inquiry.” For an equal measure of good will from the far right, we shall have to wait and see
One thing is certain: Listening, including, and respecting the diverse views of others is the only way to guarantee an honest hearing for your own.
News and Views: The Arts Impact on SEL and Test Scores
If you are parents or teachers of high school students, then you are probably preoccupied with the competitive stampede propelling children to achieve high academic scores. These include: State standardized tests, SATs, ACTs, and every course necessary to satisfy the graduations requirements of your state, and build GPAs that will impress admissions personnel at colleges and other post- secondary career institutions. Tutors and other test prep experts are on speed dial.
As a result, although parents and teachers sincerely want mental health to be a priority, it tends to take a back seat for high school students. The Arts are likewise side-lined: The stakes and anxiety level are high for everyone. For students, they are almost unbearable. When asked, they are outspoken about why high school teens hate school:
Here are a few of the reasons:
“The amount of work is ENDLESS, every day.” “The stress can be debilitating.”
“They don’t really care if we understand the material. It just matters if we pass.”
“The SAT!! Nobody likes tests, but the SAT is the worst because of the high stakes.” [I have] “a strong desire to be challenged and stimulated beyond what I am taught in school.” Teens’ negative feelings about school are confirmed in a national survey, which shows that stress, fatigue, and boredom are antithetical to learning.
In addition, COVID’s impact on schooling did lead to a learning loss for all age groups, but doubling down on academics and tests will not produce better results. The added pressure on students will only make things worse. Tutoring alone cannot fix this. But the arts can!
Decades of research have documented that on-going student participation in the arts can reduce stress, develop social emotional well-being, unleash students’ creative energies, and build critical-thinking and problem solving skills that improve academic performance.
In other words, there is a through line between arts education, consistent social-emotional well-being, and academic improvement: that leads to “well-rounded, well-prepared learners and leaders”
Maybe we should all take a collective deep breath, and let our kids do the same. Let’s restore balance to their lives. It may take a little time, but learning loss is a global phenomenon, so our students will not be left behind. They will be happier, healthier, and eager to learn. Then, bring on the tutors: Students will be ready to welcome their help and will make the most of it.
Question of the Day: Stressed Out
A 2020 nationwide research of more than 21,000 high school students shows that one of the factors in their negative feelings about school is stress. In open-ended responses, how many students report feeling stressed:
a) between 45 and 50%
b) between 55 and 60%
c) between 60 and 65%
d) between 75 and 80%
e) between 80 and 85%
For the correct answer, please go to “Weeding the Garden” at https://www.merleschell.com/reflections
From Me to You: Doodle 2023 Winner – Rebecca Wu
On June 6, 2023, Google announced the national winner of its annual student Doodle contest: Rebecca Wu, age 12, a sixth grader from Washington. The love and wisdom in Rebecca’s drawing and her words say all that needs to be said. Congratulations, Rebecca. Thank you.
My Sweetest Memories
by Rebecca Wu
“Sometimes I love them, and sometimes I dislike them very much,
but I can't imagine my life without my sisters.
I have learned to be a little bit more patient with them,
and they have had an enormous impact on me.
We help to inspire each other and to help each other grow
like the vines and flowers in my picture.
I am never lonely with them, and they can cheer me up.
I am grateful for them and all that they have done for me.
In this drawing, we are having a fun time drinking hot chocolate,
which is one of my fondest memories.
The rainbow in the background symbolizes
one of the first things I helped one of my sisters draw.
In one of my family pictures, my sisters (sitting next to me)
and I (the one in the middle)
are sitting in flowers with a background that I drew,
so I thought it would be fun to reference that by drawing us sitting [in] flowers here.
The word "Google" is related with the stems of flowers and vines,
also following the flower/garden theme.
My drawing is composed of all our happiest memories
to show just how grateful I am for them.”
Anna (6), Rebecca (12), and Esther (4)
A message from Google:
When Rebecca was thinking about how to answer this year’s Doodle for Google contest prompt, “I am grateful for…,” her mind instantly went to her sisters. She decided to highlight the ways in which they support each other using the metaphor of a garden growing. She thinks gratitude is important because it allows us to look beyond the negative to focus on the positive. As the U.S. 2023 Doodle for Google contest national winner, Rebecca wins a $30,000 college scholarship and a $50,000 technology package for her school.
To learn more about Rebecca, check her interview Google Keyword Blog and watch her on the Today show:
Taking a Break: Happy Fourth of July!
We are taking a break in July to finish some projects in time for the new school year. Wishing you all a wonderful summer. See you in August.