Systems Engineering

After finishing my 15 page marathon take-home exam in Intro to Systems Engineering you would think I've had enough of it -- and you would be wrong! I thought that now that my brain is full of systems engineering that it would a great time to write up exactly what I think it is.

Public School Learning Compact - Hugs Mandatory, Learning Optional

My mom sent me something she found in my nephew's Friday Folder this last week. It is a Learning Compact. Getting past the "it takes a village" preamble, contrast what the teacher is committing to versus what the parent are patronizingly encouraged to commit to. Teachers will provide a "safe, positive environment" (free from trans-fats, no doubt), have "high expectations" (what about results?), work with "other teaching professionals" (those precious professional development days in the middle of the school year), and "bringing parents into the classroom" (with background checks I hope!).

Now look at what parents are supposed to do. Some of them are outright none of your business ("send your child to school with a positive hug"). Others are required by the men with guns ("See that child attends school daily and on time").

My mom has told me she after consulting an educational authority and a lawyer she has decided not to return the compact.