Forecast 2020

I have mixed feelings about this website.  Overall I thought it was super biased toward inundating our school systems with technology.  The most disturbing aspect of the site was a comment made on the homepage.  The homepage stated, "If you think our future will require better schools, you're wrong.  If you think we will need better teachers, you're wrong!"  Um, excuse me?  Yes, we do need better teachers and better schools.  Even if those better teachers use technology in the classroom, they still need to be better.  Teachers need to be better and teach better in better schools.  News Flash "Forecase 2020": Memphis City Schools is not good enough.

On a positive note...

I enjoyed reading the article titiled, "Altered Bodies".  It discussed how in the year 2020 the world will be in an bio-warfare--more or less.  Because the majority of humans have a total disregard for the environment, it is only a matter of time before the damning consequences of this neglect become more perceptible. (Watch an "Incovient Truth".  Al Gore's documentary describing such consequences).  The article states, "At the same time, greater threats to human and environmental health from climate change, pollution, war, extreme urbanization, and other natural and human-made disasters will in the next decade create new stresses on minds and bodies."  Naturally these threats will effect schools.  As a teacher, I am responsible for keeping my students informed of ways they can help reduce their carbon footprint.  I must set a good example for my students by recycling, bicycling more frequently and reducing my energy use.

The article also encourages teachers to stay informed on current medication their students may be using. As a teacher, I am responsible for being knowledgeable about how chemicals and other factors can affect my students' learning.  Not only do children consume far more medication than ever before, their diets are far less healthy.  My children consume meals that lack any nutrition.  For example, Memphis City serves "three cheese marinara bread"--one of my students' favorites cafeteria lunches.  When this delicious treat is served, the line curves around the cafeteria with children, giddy for the scrumptious meal that await them.  What is it?  A piece of bread, smothered in American cheese, with marinara dipping sauce on the side.  It is really not a meal at all.  Where is the protein?  Where are the vegetables?  These meals are not helping the children to develop physically or mentally.  And don't get me started on Flaming Hot Cheetos.  Whose bright idea was it to make the most processed flavor ever, and inundate our children's diets with it?  Children do not have the capacity to make healthy decisions with regard to their diet.  Adults must take the initiative to set positive examples and restrict the diets of children before they become victim to obesity.  Alas, I ranted again...