We know that No Child Left Behind has been shown to be a failure in our schools. In June of 2008 I wrote an article in which I stated, “Teachers who have traditionally been able to imbue their students with a love of learning have been thwarted. The ramification is that tens of thousands of teachers are dropping out of the profession or opting for an early retirement. They have been demoralized and de-skilled. When teaching methods are mandated to be standardized, the impact on creative and innovative instruction is severe.

Teachers have traditionally been one of the greatest resources for our children. How many of us recall a teacher who had a profound influence in our lives? Their importance cannot be under-rated or under-appreciated. In addition, this generates the loss of future teachers who shift career goals as horror stories emerge across the country.”
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One of most egregious horror stories I have read surfaced recently in Gwinnett County Georgia. Third grade students were given math homework assignments that included word problems. Ostensibly these problems were infused with some history in an effort to combine both studies. Many conscientious parents who saw this homework assignment were righteously outraged. The word problems used racist elements and referenced slaves in the most derogatory ways. No child should be faced with this demeaning of their own history, Black or White. What was this teacher have been thinking?

This is one more example of why No Child Left Behind must be cast away. If this video does not convince us, I do not know what will. Preparing our children through programs that include blatant racial overtones cannot be tolerated. Education in this country has become an uphill battle. We must remain vigilant. To parents: As the lyric goes in an old CSNY song, “Teach your children well.” Monitor what they are being taught and speak for children too young to speak for themselves. What happened in Gwinnett County may be happening in your child’s school. It is an abomination.

—cher