Since this behaviour was so uncharacteristic of the boy, his dad set up a meeting with the teachers and school therapists. A behaviourist even tried to create scenarios that would push Akian to his limits in order to see what would set him off. It didn’t work. So what would cause this peaceful boy to lash out? Read more...
2. Over in the U.S., it’s School Choice Week. School Choice has some big supports like Bill Cosby and Pres. Obama, but critics say “opportunity is replaced with demands for universal “excellence” and “achievement,” in which teachers are punished for student “failure.” This pits parents against teachers, and it ultimately sidelines already marginalized children of immigrant families, poor children and/or children of color.”
3. After hearing crappy news from the Girl Scouts and discrimination, it’s great to hear that the Boy Scouts of America have embraced “No Name Calling Week.” It’s an initiative started by the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network and in turns of inclusiveness and the war on bullying, it’s a step in the right direction. Read more...
A heartwarming story just in time for National Bullying Awareness Week
We’re getting a little misty-eyed reading this excellent anti-bullying essay by Chicago Now columnist Carrie Goldman.
Goldman’s daughter Katie loves the Star Wars. So when it came time for them to pick out a new lunch box and water bottle for the school year, Katie selected items from a galaxy far, far away.
Goldman writes that she used to think of bullying as a problem that affected older kids, but when Katie burst into tears insisting that she’d rather bring an old pink water bottle than her beloved Star Wars one, Goldman knew something was up. Here’s an excerpt:
She wailed, “The first grade boys are teasing me at lunch because I have a Star Wars water bottle. They say it’s only for boys. Every day they make fun of me for drinking out of it. I want them to stop, so I’ll just bring a pink water bottle.” Read more...
