Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter

CAT Tracks for March 6, 2006 TIP OF THE ICEBERG

A low-key article, but it strikes a nerve...

Several of us have seen this as THE problem for years! Until the "children" learn to accept responsibility and are held accountable...no learning will improve!!! We can write SIPs and DIPs until we are blue in the face...and they won't change a darn (I paused and counted to ten) thing!!!

As WE stress out over the approaching STATE TESTS...the students are exhibiting their normal "ignorance is bliss" attitudes. Do you see any students losing sleep over ISAT and PSAE?

As achievement and discipline continue their downward spiral, will we ever reach a point where one and all realize that it's time to quit coddling and alibiing, and make the "children" a little uncomfortable...to make the students responsible for their boorish behavior and resultant dismal test scores?

The article from the Arizona Republic...

How to teach responsibility

Just as children must be taught to solve math problems, understand science concepts and know events in history, they also must be guided in developing the qualities of their character, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

It is only through guidance and modeling by caring adults that children learn to be honest and thoughtful, to stand up for their principles, to care about others, to act responsibly and to make sound moral choices.

Here is one set of tips on responsibility from the Education Department. For more information, see www.ed.gov/parents:

Being responsible means being dependable, keeping promises and honoring commitments. It is accepting the consequences for what we say and do. It also means developing our potential.

People who are responsible don't make excuses for their actions or blame others when things go wrong.

They think things through and use good judgment before taking action. They behave in ways that encourage others to trust them.

People who are responsible take charge of their lives.

They make plans and set goals for nurturing their talents and skills. They are resilient in finding ways to overcome adversity.

They make decisions, taking into account obligations to family and community.

Children need to learn that being part of a family and a community involves accepting responsibilities. When each of us acts responsibly, our families and communities will be stronger. Make agreements with your child and expect him to follow through.

When things go wrong, help your child take responsibility for his or her part and plan to do things differently next time.

Encourage your child to find out about the world and how his or her actions may affect others far away.