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A quick show note: This one is pretty personal. I’m definitely a big advocate for schools and the people who run them. But sometimes the best way to initiate important systemic change is to stop shouting and hold up a mirror.
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“Ben walked into class late. Again. And Ben left early. Again. He told me it was going to happen, and I wouldn’t have been surprised, even without a warning. Because it was late October, and Ben was on his way out…
Read the full transcript here.
Music:
Minimalist Study in F Minor by Nathan Howe.
Sources:
Did you talk to any actual counselors before saying these things? ’cause I don’t know a single counselor that would ever kick a child out of school unless absolutely necessary for their own safety. I notice you don’t have any cited quotations from any administration, counselors, teachers, etc as part of the claims you’re making. I guess that’s asking too much, but all the counselors I’ve met in Brush and Ft. Morgan put their all into doing what’s best for the children through out the year and I’ve never heard them mention anything about October count.
This particular incident occurred under a previous administration. I’ve kept details purposely vague, because it’s not about the specific school or people involved – the story is about the system more than the individuals. But October count is a real thing (check out the Colorado Department of Education website), and there is significant financial incentive to keep kids in school (and delay expulsion, even if warranted) until after the annual count is over. This is not a unique local school or district-specific issue; it’s a pervasive problem in the system. Ben’s story is a good jumping-off point into the topic, but it’s just one example. Some students are truly expelled, but others (including Ben) are strongly encouraged to “find a different option,” and parents and guardians usually sign the paper because they think they have to.
Again, I generally stand on the side of administrators, teachers, and counselors. It’s a hard job, and there are hard choices. But this practice does happen, and it’s not isolated.
Thank you for this episode. I really needed to hear this tonight.
Thanks so much for listening!