Thursday, March 29, 2007 2:55 PM
by
jtspencer
catch-22 and a staff development meeting
I first read Catch 22 as a cynical high school student. Something about the wry humor, the absurdity of the system and the feeling that I was surrounded by insanity resonated well with Mountain Ridge High. I enjoyed the lively characters, though I never felt any real emotional connection to them.
So, I'm reading it now ten years later. I think I'm a lot less cynical, but I am still enjoying the humor. It still makes me think about school. So the other day at a staff meeting, we talk about the AIMS test. I voice my concerns about the fact that students now spend two days a week doing practice AIMS tests. My comments are met with general apathy. The prevailing attitude is that we should not challenge the standardized system, but instead focus on how to meet AYP.
A woman raises her hand and explains, "I was reading about how kids do better on tests when they have something to chew on, like bubble gum."
"We're not chewing bubble gum. It will get all over the furniture," another woman responds.
A man suggests, "How about mints. They aren't messy and they usually don't have as much sugar. Plus the kids will have fresh breath." In a blog it sounds like he's being sarcastic, but the scary things is he's totally serious.
"How are we going to pay for it?" a pragmatic math teacher asks. We are already moving from the "why" to the "how" and I'm lost. Are these people really the professoinals I thought they were?
"Let the kids bring their own candy," the first woman suggests.
"No, because then they will bring that Mexican candy with the chili powder. Then they'll be thirsty and that will just defeat the whole purpose. Besides, I read an article last year that said that some of the candy has lead."
I am tempted to offer a sarcastic suggestion: hunks of steak. After all, protein is good for the brain. The last time America really dominated militariliy was when we were a steak and potatoes country. Dr. Atkins might have been wrong about the health benefits, but I'm sure there is scientific data proving how meat makes you more courageous. Besides, a nice hunk of steak (especially if it is well done) could easily last the duration of the testing period.
"What about Jolly Ranchers? That way kids could choose the flavor and they last longer than other candies."
I leave the meeting wondering if I am in some kind of stranger reality show. I keep way for someone to tell me I've been "punk'd" or that I am on Candid Camera. Am I the only sane one there or am I crazy? I think of Catch 22 and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. In both books, the system makes people timid, weak and crazy. The optimist in me believes I can always be at least quietly subversive, while the cynic in me is scared that someday I'll be the guy offering candy suggestions.