Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, September 29, 1994 TAG: 9411100005
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A14 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Yes, m'am. No, m'am. Yes, sir. No, sir. Please. Excuse me. Thank you.
The 30-minute-a-day courses in courtesy, respect and other social skills are being provided Norfolk middle-school students under the guidance of a commercial charm school. The special instruction has the approval of school administrators.
Isn't this getting a bit ridiculous?
Sure, if the program has the effect of improving classroom discipline and bringing about more civility in the way students behave toward each other and toward teachers, it might seem churlish to object to the time being taken away from academic subjects.
It's virtually impossible for teachers to teach, or students to learn, algebra, Latin and civics in an atmostphere where rudeness and loudness run amok. And part of schools' function, properly so, is to civilize young people, to produce good citizens who are respectful and tolerant of others.
But come on. Public schools aren't supposed to be finishing schools. Social graces and enforced conformity are less important to the academic enterprise than honesty, expressiveness and hard work in a creative learning atmosphere.
And they are a whole lot less important, certainly as a subject for instruction, than the core academic subjects kids need to be learning in school. Students won't go far in this world with inadequate attention to science and math and history, even if they do have good posture and hold their forks the right way.
It's a sad commentary when teachers - already expected to serve as baby sitters, nurses and police - are asked to assume the role of Miss Manners. There was a time when children were taught basic civility and good manners by their parents, in their homes.
by CNB