Week 3 English Assignment

“Let’s Really Reform Our Schools,” by Anita Garland; Class Discussion

  Anita Garland uses strong words to describe her views on school reform “American high schools are in trouble. No, that’s not strong enough. American high schools are disasters. “Good” schools today are only a rite of passage for American kids, where the pressure to look fashionable and act cool outweighs any concern for learning. And “bad” schools—heaven help us—are havens for the vicious and corrupt. There, metal detectors and security guards wage a losing battle against the criminals that prowl the halls. Desperate illnesses require desperate remedies. And our public schools are desperately ill. What is needed is no meek, fainthearted attempt at “curriculum revision” or “student-centered learning.” We need to completely restructure our thinking about what schools are and what we expect of the students who attend them.” (Garland 696)

 “Let’s Really Reform Our Schools,” by Anita  Garland is directed at parents, and teachers” Parents would be relieved of the pressure to deal with their offspring’s constant demands for wardrobe additions” (Garland 696) “Once our schools have been returned to the control of teachers and genuine students, we could concentrate on smaller but equally meaningful reforms.” (Garland 696) Some reforms that Garland suggests are “Overhaul the cafeterias! Out with the candy, soda, chips, and fries! In with the salads, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables!” (Garland 696) “Another school-related activity that should get the ax is the fluff-headed, moneyeating, misery-inducing event known as the prom.” (Garland 696) “A good place to start would be requiring students to wear school uniforms” (Garland 696)

  

 Garland’s closing statement and purpose for writing this article “We have lost track of the purpose of our schools. They are not intended to be centers for fun, entertainment, and social climbing. They are supposed to be institutions for learning and hard work. Let’s institute the changes suggested here—plus dozens more—without apology, and get American schools back to business.” (Garland 696)

  

 I feel this article carries a strong tone. Garland uses very strong words to describe her point of view. I agree that some of her points are valid; however, there are others that I disagree with. I don’t think schools should implement uniforms. Freedom of expression is important, even if that is with the latest trends. I also do not like the derogatory tone that Garland uses when referring to children. Children are our greatest asset in this world; schools should nurture and guide, and not punish. 

 

Works Cited

-Garland, Anita. English Skills and Writing. “Let’s Reform Our Schools.” (pg. 696). New York, NY. The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. 2008. Print.