Newsgroups: bit.listserv.deaf-l
Date:         Tue, 1 Sep 1992 21:03:26 EDT
From:         "Cathy Brandt" <CBRAN00@UKCC.UKY.EDU>
Subject:      Re: authority
X-To:         DEAF LIST <DEAF-L%SIUCVMB.BITNET@uga.cc.uga.edu>
              31 Aug 1992 22:22:31 EDT from <sipb7@ATHENA.MIT.EDU>

>
>Why not?
>
>*Some* group of people is "imposing its beliefs" on your students
>through your school, i.e., showing them by example what academic
>subjects and social behaviors are considered valuable.

No, I don't impose my beliefs on the children in my class.  I try to educate
them as to what their options are and give them the ability to develop sound
logic and reason so they can make educated choices.  I am a *strong* right wing
conservative (you probably guessed)  My kids don't know for whom I will vote.
In fact, I've invited the man from the Democratic headquarters in town to come
and speak to the children.

I have very strong religeous beliefs.  But, when Travis asked how was the
mountain made I don't teach him the story of creation.  We look at the whole
issue - both sides.  He is free to *choose* what he will believe.  I have no
desire to produce clones!  I have a strong desire to help each individual
child develop his or her own unique qualities.  Sure, I'd be lying if I said
if and when they agree I am not pleased.  But, they often don't.  And, that is
o.k.  I'm not into coercion (this teacher needs a dictionary near - is that the
right spelling?)

>If one of your students punches another in the face, or violates the
>school dress code, or otherwise behaves in a way that they feel is
>right and you feel is unacceptable, you will impose your belief on them.

Were you serious with that above comment?  Not sure.  If you assault anyone in
this society you are to be held accountable.

>Why should *you* (a not-always-cozy coalition of the school district
>and the childrens' parents) have the power to decide what beliefs to
>impose?  Why *not* give deaf adults in your community a piece of that
>power?

How do you know deaf adults are *not* involved?  Parents *still* have the
right and responsibility to raise their children in the best way they know.
*ALL* parents make mistakes - not just hearing parents of deaf kids.


>Indeed.  Perhaps the LEA's (Local Education Authorities) in your
>neighborhood will only send deaf children to a residential school if
>their academic skills are *so* weak that they can't get by in a
>mainstream class.  Perhaps the teachers at the residential school you
>refer to are much more incompetent than the mainstream teachers.

You may very well be absolutely correct.  I just don't have the answer.  I was
*NOT* make a general statement - only limited personal experience in one situati

>Do you ever feel anything *negative* about your students?  If you
>think they're always so wonderful, I want to work in your school ...
>or take whatever pills you're on.  :-) :-) (That was a JOKE.  Pax.)

Whewww!  I just can't win here.  First I'm accused of being negative.  Now, I
am too positive?  Well, it is the beginning of the year.  Ask me in a few
months and perhaps I will.  (Doubt it.  But, *anything* is possible)  Typically
the most negative aspects of the job is dealing with administration and
beauracracy - an occasional overbearing, overprotective parent and *never*
having enough money to buy materials or go on the trips I would like.

Boy, I'm running out of ways to sign this.
But, then who ever knew me to be at a loss for words!

Cathy
cbran00@ukcc.uky.edu
Teacher who is constantly amazed and bewildered by the variety of opinions,
feelings, hostilities that exists within the culture of which her children
belong.
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