Hypocrisy.

There aren't very many things that rile my nerves. But when it comes to education, I have a very hot button for justice. Are the children being treated fairly? Are the staff being treated fairly and professionally? Is this procedure ethical? What are the consequences to misconduct? I always want justice to be met and served with respect. Well, that button has been slammed over and over the past two years, and it has never set well with me.

As I was perusing the DOE's website for surrounding area school report cards, I come across this...

My current school's "report card." I looked under the 2007-2008 year because that was the year I first started... and it angered me. These are lies. I was there for 181 days and can justfully say that these are the most absurd, dishonest numbers I've ever seen. Someone did not report accurately and truthfully. Under "Offenses Against Staff," why is there a zero? I can count TWO incidents alone that occurred in second grade. Why are those NOT reported? And 13 incidents for disorderly conduct? That's a huge joke. There were at least 5 every week in second grade... and I know that we weren't the only ones having issues.

I looked at other schools' report cards, and those actually looked more accurate with "Disorderly Conduct" in the 100 range. That's real life; it's candid and transparent. At least I honestly know what I'm getting myself into. What do you have to hide?

When the sole purpose of a school report card is to inform the public and taxpayers, I have a huge problem when either one is being misled. What about the parents deciding where to send their children? They look at this and think, "Oh wow! This seems like such a great school! Look at those marks!" This school looks angelic compared to the rest of the district (even moreso than the top performing elementary school). I would be so livid if I sent my own children to a school such as this (upon this knowledge) only to have the wool ripped from my eyes, weeks into the school year.

It makes my heart ache even more about wanting to find a new school. To have my name attached to such disillusion... I want to be a part of something that is honest, respectful, and professional. I know I should be grateful for having a job. This school has taught me a lot about myself, my teaching, and my students... and I am indebted for that experience... but at what cost?

How can we teach our students to be honest, good citizens when we can't even do the same?

There is a poster in our hallway: "Character is who you are when no one is looking." What about when everyone is looking and we still can't do it? Hypocrites.

-- Miss Chelsea >:|