I was looking at the local newspaper and I found a story about the reforms that school teachers are hoping to bring about to the No Child Left Behind government education program. I thought it was interesting that after these many years of knowing that this thing didn't work, we are finally looking at ways to make it work for teachers and kids.

In Far Eastern cultures teachers are put on pedestals. They are the ones that the general population comes to for answers.They are respected because of their knowledge. In our country we've gotten to the point where parents and other adults feel that they know more than the teachers. Teachers are no longer respected the way they were at one time in our history. A good teacher demands that respect and should be given it but a teacher must also be a good teacher to be given respect. In order to be a good teacher a person must be willing to continually learn and improve and keep an open mind. This also means truly listening to suggestions that are well intended and presented in a respectful fashion.

Here are a few things that the newspaper article said should be changed in order that teachers can work as efficiently as possible and kids can truly learn.

1. More fairness and flexibility in testing

2. Teach critical thinking skills

3. More support for teachers and principals (support like respect is earned)

4. Recognizing that one size does not fit all

At the very end was the one recommendation that I think should have been at the top of the list. A focus on health.

What a novel thought. Teach kids how to be really healthy in order that they might like themselves more and feel good about themselves. Every child wants to feel healthy and strong. Let's give them the chance. When this is accomplished then we can have young people who will find joy in learning. Feeling healthy and alert, feeling more confident, and being able to handle the rigors of school and adolescence with a stronger mind and body. Sounds simple to me. Why do simple answers take so long to figure out? Whether it's politically correct or academically acceptable isn't the issue. The issue is whether it works and it's the right thing to do. It's time we wake up and really help our kids.

Fred Nicklaus

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