In Hawaii, we must bring massive reform to our public education system. The first step would be to start at the elementary school level, where young children are impressionable. If we could instill our children with a solid foundation and positive mental outlook, then they would have the necessary tools and fortitude to succeed in their future scholastic endeavors.
Educators who have used traditional schooling methods on younger children have usually focused on the three Rs. These Rs are assumed to be reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic. However, the three Rs I would like to see taught are respect, responsibility and resilience. If our children are taught these three fundamental virtues (which many adults don't even have), then their zeal for learning would be limitless.
JUST think that if they had respect instilled in their mentality, teachers would have an easier time facilitating classroom activities. Less time would be spent on disciplining the few disruptive children in the classroom so that a more nurturing educational environment would be created. The virtue of respect would also permeate into the child's peer network and immediate family, which is the primary place for a child's learning to take place.
Teaching children to be responsible for their own actions might be a harder challenge. Nevertheless, children must learn that they must be held accountable for their actions - whether good or bad.
By learning to be responsible at an early age, they would have a precedence for living a responsible adult life. Children would also learn that they are ultimately responsible for their own education and their destinies. They must take a proactive, rather than a passive stance to their education.
Finally, if resilience could be taught to our children at a young age, the benefits to our society and community would be immeasurable. More of our children need to have a "never say die" attitude toward learning. Children need to be optimistic about the future and need to be high achievers. If we could somehow give them the emotional fortitude, they would have a good chance at becoming successful scholars and productive citizens.
Allowing children to see the benefits of being a respectful, responsible and resilient citizen at an early age would undoubtedly improve the quality of education in our islands. In high school, less time would be devoted to disciplining disruptive students and more time would be spent on challenging our students to become critical thinkers.
ON another note, I recently went to see a Dennis Alexio kick-boxing fight, and was appalled by seeing so many elementary school children in the stands shouting obscenities. Parents took no action in disciplining their children's' foul mouths. Instead of taking children to fights, maybe they should be taking them to libraries.
Parents are the most important source of guidance and education. They need to be cognizant that once they become a parent, they are a parent for life, and they must continually supply unconditional love and support to their children.
Unfortunately, some children don't receive the quality of caring that they need at home. This is where educators can fill a void.
On a personal note, I know it can be accomplished. My father abandoned our family when I was 8 years old. My mother picked up the slack and somehow was able to instill in me an insatiable appetite to receive an education.