Down the Rabbit Hole…
When a fictional young girl named Alice followed a talking, well-dressed white rabbit down his burrow into Wonderland, she was simply being curious. She had no idea of the unusual creatures she would meet, the nonsensical problems she would face, or if she would ever get back home
Today going down the rabbit hole has a darker meaning: “To enter into a situation or journey that is particularly strange, problematic, difficult, complex, or chaotic, especially one that becomes increasingly so as it develops or unfolds” (Collins Dictionary).
So it is in K-12 education. Across the country, rabbit holes exist - peopled by those with agendas - places where two factions of the would-be Thought Police are warring to take charge of the hearts and minds of our students. Both camps want to control what students read, what they think, and influence what they believe and what they do.
History and literature are in the crosshairs.
History is the story of our past, a factual account of what happened. Some events and people instill fierce pride; some, deep shame. Interpretations of the causes and effects of these facts are not history. They are subjects for healthy and lively discussions where people should be free to express their thoughts with respect and ask uncomfortable questions without fear of reprisal.
Literature also presents multiple views for students to explore, question, understand, relate, and reach independent conclusions. That is why age-appropriate books should neither be banned nor sanitized. Yet, there are states and school districts that censor some of our most treasured stories and novels for reasons as ridiculous, arbitrary, and biased as they are chilling. Their criteria could apply equally to the Berenstain Bears and The Bible.
Fortunately, these groups are a minority. According to a 2022 NPR survey, in K-12 schooling, 76% of parents are, for the most part, happy with their children’s schools, teachers, and curriculum. They have no interest in shouting about problems that (for them) do not exist. They should shout. Because the din of political rancor is monopolizing every media platform and creating the appearance of a majority will.
As a result, in too many schools, parents, school boards, and administrators are telling teachers what to teach, how to teach, and what subjects to avoid even if students ask. Teachers are scripted and gagged with little or no autonomy over curriculum. If they protest, they receive poor evaluations and, in some cases, are fired. These teachers - fed up and stressed over a lack of respect and support - are leaving the profession in record numbers. They do not intend to return. Instead, while protecting their schools and towns with anonymity, they are sharing their experiences on social media. Other teachers are taking note.
Wherever and whenever freedom of speech and freedom to teach are dismissed as arcane tenets of a seemingly distant past, we - the majority of parents – should shout if we have to and make our protests heard.
When Alice woke up from her dream, Wonderland was gone, and she was home again. What we are witnessing is not a dream. We should take a hard look at those who would lure us down rabbit holes, question their motives and whose interests they serve. Rabbit holes are dark, dirty, and confusing places to be after all. Better to stand face to face on firm ground and in the open where we can see each other clearly. As a majority of fair-minded individuals, surely, we can discuss, debate, and find the best ways forward.
We might remember that despite our flaws, we are also purveyors of hope and opportunity. Most of us are trying to do better and be better. And in every region of this country, there are thousands of teachers, administrators, parent groups, community groups, and students who are avoiding the rabbit holes and getting it right. Theirs are the faces we need to see, the voices we need to hear, the examples we need to follow.
If you are interested in learning about schools and people who are making great things happen for our children, please check this blog and read about Schools that Work. Find other success stories in my newsletter at https://www.merleschell.com/unpacking-education-archives - and you can also read about rabbit holes in higher education. Or contact me at merle@merleschell.com I will be happy to send you some links.
Answer to Unpacking Education, No. 17, Question of the Day:
The correct answer is e) Inadequate salary. Although most would agree that teachers deserve better pay, they do not enter the profession to get rich. They become teachers because they love children and want to make a difference in their lives. When they are not allowed to do so; when they are bullied, disrespected, and devalued; when nothing changes for the better: They quit.