The human aspects of school: curriculum, safety, transportation. The last three articles covered those and this one wraps it up.
America’s schools are in a culture war and literally a physical war as they become foxholes for terrified students and staff as witnessed last week in Georgia’s Apalachee High School as another school shooting unfolded.
The shooter teased he was going to do it over a year ago, then denied it. The father continued to allow him weapon access, bragging about his hunting skills, smearing the blood of his accomplishments on his son’s face, posting it proudly across social media as a trophy of parenting skills. Now the father is charged with second degree murder as well.
Warnings of possible copycats, proving true across the country in Sioux County Iowa, Pulaski County Virginia and then across multiple Knox County Schools. These were squelched quickly by our law enforcement with lockdowns, arrests and parental warnings to watch your kid’s social media friends. What next. This cannot be “fact of life” as JD Vance exclaimed. We must ask questions. We must watch. We must take action. This has to change. Schools must be a safe place and not one of fear.
This article was to culminate by addressing briefly each of the issues I have discussed beginning with the increasing social divide of the educational system with the acceptance of charters and vouchers, but the safety of all students regardless of school choice must be the priority of our nation.
I will recommend here two very insightful examinations about our current issues on the cultural divide: Caste by Isabel Wilkerson and An American Dilemma by Gunnar Myrdal.
It is also important to know each presidential candidate’s educational plan and how it will impact down to the local school system.
Considering the rapid growth of Knox County, the time has come for collective, well thought out education policies and practices. Approximately, 25 years ago, Toyota Corporation chose Lexington, Kentucky, over Knoxville because of school quality. Let’s make our schools destination schools.
Bob Kronick is professor emeritus University of Tennessee. Bob welcomes your comments or questions to rkronick@utk.edu.