Every weekday morning is pretty much the same in kestrel-land. Shortly after I wake the fledglings for school a friend of mine in Virginia calls. We chat to pass the time of her hour long commute. Today was no different. We talked about a guy that she and her boss are desperate to replace,I cursed the fact that my washing machine crapped out on me. Then suddenly she says, "oh you're not gonna believe this shit!" I do believe it and I'm pissed. More below the fold.
Ms Jessica Boyle a 4th grade teacher at Sewells Point Elementary School in Norfolk,Virginia apparently decided to get a little creative. It's hard to get children to pay attention,right? Well she definitely got their attention. In fact,I have a feeling that she's received more attention than she could ever imagine.
As part of Ms Boyle's Civil War lesson,students were separated by race. White students stood on one side and African American and mixed-race students on the other who were then offered up for auction.
Principal Mary B. Wrushen wrote,
"I recently became aware of a history lesson that was presented to the students in Ms. Jessica Boyle's fourth grade class. Although her actions were well intended to meet the instructional objectives, the activity presented was inappropriate for the students."
Inappropriate? Well duh! So now the question remains...what becomes of Ms Doyle? I haven't been able to locate any statement made by her nor have I seen any indication of reprimand. At best,Principal Wrushen has said that she intends to follow up with the teacher to make sure this never happens again.
Is following up enough? I personally don't think that it is. Is this a "symptom" of the South? No definitive answer here,what do you think? As for my opinion...shame on you Ms Boyle,shame!