First…take a deep breath. Check in with how the title of this article makes you feel. Listen to the voice that speaks from within. Does it sounds like this?
 
– Yeah, sure, in your dreams.
– But without homework, we won’t learn enough!
– What’s wrong with you? Can’t handle it?
– Look, if my kid has to do homework, then so does yours.
– If it was possible, don’t you think they’d be doing it?
– Oh come on. Quit whining.
– We need homework. Everyone knows that!
 
Okay. So, take another breath. Let those thoughts and whatever else you hear flow through you. Even better, pay attention! You are listening to the thoughts you were taught to have. You are hearing the echoes of brainwashing. Even if you were told this by people with the best of intentions, these statements are factually untrue.
 
I am going to post on this subject weekly, as I build a case for why the Vashon Island School District should (and can) become a model educational community. We, the people of this island, have an incredibly unique opportunity to direct the school district on our island in a far better direction than the rest of the country.
 
Why? Because we have the power to direct our school district. In fact, it is legally and ethically our responsibility to pay attention, engage and support our local schools. BUT, how many of us really get that? How many of us show up at School Board meetings with ideas and enthusiasm and information?
 
We don’t. Do we? I sure as hell haven’t! It has felt beyond me. Or like a trick. Sure, show up with ideas, so “they” can nod their heads and then do whatever “they” were going to do anyway. Right? Only, no. It’s not like that at all…not here, not on Vashon. NOT if we engage. Together. With positive ideas and direction. Why? Because the “they” we face have names. And they coach our kids in soccer, they shop at our grocer, they sit in our ferry line, they drink the same coffee we drink…they are here. They are…”us and we, you and me.”
 
Much of the problem with education lies within communities that feel disenfranchised or powerless in the face of huge dictates that roll down from Washington DC or a state capitol that seems remote and untouchable.
 
Government-Funded Education is a problem. Why? Because, it is Government-Controlled Education. And, the government of the United States of America does NOT have our best interests at heart now-a-days.
 
Does it? Yeah, I’m talking to you, Republican. And you, Berniecrat. And you, Hillary Supporter. And you, Activist for Pramila. And you, Gary Johnson Voter. And you, fed up islander who’s ready to vote for Trump. All of US…WE get it! At the same moment in time, we share an awareness that: OUR government is not controlled by us.
 
So, why let those who have kidnapped our system of self-government dictate how our children grow and learn? Why let them ignore the brilliant studies that have proven what works so well and, instead, force corporate agendas down the throats of our young?
 
Today, I encourage you to look beyond our “almost closed” borders, to places in the world where children learn more easily. Where children learn better. Where children learn more! All while spending far less time in school and with virtually ZERO homework.
 
Right now. Before you get distracted. Order Michael Moore’s movie, “Where to Invade Next” from Netflix, stream it on-line from iTunes, or buy it direct from his website: http://wheretoinvadenext.com/
 
It is not about war. It is about living the good life. This movie brings you into the homes, work places, AND SCHOOLS of families and children who can not understand why we do what we do.

Quote from Me:
“If a student can not pass a class, after putting in forty (40) work hours, then it is the school that has failed. Not the student. Such grading systems reflect a school which is taking far too little responsibility for the education of that child. A passing C grade should be guaranteed to every child who attends classes and puts in a good effort while at school. Homework should be offered as “extra work” for students who wish to achieve a “better than average” [B] or an “excellent” [A] grade in the subject matter.”