What it does not have, the Turner Report has been told, is enough room in its library for books.
Joplin High School students who did not have to take finals spent time during the last few days of school helping box up an estimated $160,000 worth of books, nearly all non-fiction, that no longer have a place in the East Middle School Library. The decision was made by district administration.
The emphasis in the library, or as it called these days, the media center, is on 21st Century technology, ergonomic furniture and places where the students can collaborate on projects.
Shelf space is at a premium.
The books will reportedly be put in a district warehouse.
I just looked and sure enough, the district is still touting its READING MATTERS agenda. Like everything else they do, it's all for show. If they cared about reading they would take out the excess nonsense and keep the books. They don't care, though. More evidence? Within a month of having to borrow another 8 million dollars to keep them afloat, they are also touting bringing in a speaker to promote education through technology. That speaker's usual fee? Five grand.
ReplyDeleteYour tax dollars at work. Plus interest.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't kids supposed to be reading more nonfiction? Yes, this makes sense.
ReplyDelete8:20 PM,
ReplyDeleteYes, kids are supposed to be reading more nonfiction but they still need to read fiction. They need to read a variety of books. They seem to think that reading on a screen will be the way to go but sometimes you need a real book. And some kids need real books just like some do better with the screen. What you need should be available. Maybe the real issues are whether or not the students are really learning, developing a love of learning and also learning to love reading.
I don't have an issue with the furniture as long as you have whatever the kids need.
Staircase to nowhere? I don't get that. Is it supposed to just be a place for the kids to sit?
This is like a form of censorship.
ReplyDeleteAs usual, aesthetics have trumped academics in R8.
ReplyDelete