Nobody Rises to Low Expectations: An Educational Modality Transforming Lives

By Fred Bedell

After having spent over three decades in education and public service agencies, I am attempting to connect the dots in regard to education programs and practices and student achievement.

Given the plethora of educational programs, practices, and studies reviewed and studied and implemented regarding educational reform and student achievements and initiatives currently in vogue in American education such as No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top have not advanced us to the point we hope to be.

The main thrust or the common denominator in successful educational practices, in my opinion, is the relationship between students and teachers .I had the pleasure of working with two individuals in the educational field that exemplify the premise that no child rises to low expectations and, in their love of children and passion for learning, have transformed lives.

This book attempts to put the current issues into a realistic perspective as the obstacles that are prevalent in education and also suggest some of the bright spots that are currently in practice.

Fred Bedell

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jan 17, 2014
• ISBN: 9781493165384

Book preview

Copyright © 2014 by Fred Bedell.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Rev. date: 01/16/2014

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Contents

Foreword

Acknowledgments

Introduction

PART I

Yesteryear

Chapter 1:

My Journey—Man-Child In Two Worlds

Chapter 2:

Educational Philosophy

Chapter 3:

The Study Of Teaching

Chapter 4:

Carl Boyd—Nobody Rises To Low Expectations

Chapter 5:

Al Hampton—Transforming Lives

Chapter 6:

A Contrast Between Two Schools

Chapter 7:

Educational Opportunity

PART II

Obstacles

Chapter 8:

Politics

Chapter 9:

Family Structure

PART III

Notable Programs

Chapter 10:

Open Education

Chapter 11:

Community Services—It Takes A Village To Raise A Child

Chapter 12:

Prekindergarten Programs

Chapter 13:

Case Management

Chapter 14:

Teach For America

Chapter 15:

Alternative Educational Programs

Chapter 16:

Volunteers

PART IV

Challenges

Chapter 17:

Us Standing In The World (Education Assessment)

Chapter 18:

Common Core Standards

Summary:

Connecting The Dots

References

About the Author

C:\Users\Fred\Documents\Al's photo.jpg

This book is dedicated to Al Hampton (Mr. Al)

(1923-2003)

Educator, Scholar, Mentor, Friend

Success is uncommon, therefore, not to be enjoyed by the common man in looking for common people.

—Tony Dungy

Foreword

I began writing because I was concerned about certain issues that are prevalent in our society. I was not a good writer as I am sure my colleagues and others would attest to, but I had something to say, so I took the risk to put my ideas and beliefs on paper and hope the reader will focus on the content rather than the grammatical construction. My purpose in all my writings is to enlighten and provoke thought.

My first book—Historical Illiteracy with a View of Income Inequality and Its Social Impact on the Social Fabric of the United States (7/13, self-published)—was motivated by observing people voting or issues and candidates that I believed was not in their best interests, economically or socially.

My second book, Consumerism in American Society and the Role of Government (8/11, self-published), was motivated by my penchant for consumer’s interests as I characterize myself as a quiet consumer advocate.

It has been intimated in certain circles that government is not the solution to the country’s problems, but the problem. I attempt to make the case in this book that we need government, and the private sector is dependent on the public. Government regulations are needed because we, as a population, are at risk for the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink.

This book is written in the areas of my career choices and my forte—education and youth services. It is autobiographical in the sense that my journey through life and career choices can be traced to people that have had major influences on me, and they provided life lessons that I feel should be shared. I use specific programs that I have observed and/or participated in as examples of good educational practices.

I hope that my readers will be enlightened and think about the picture I have painted. As always in research and writing articles and books, we writers search for facts to reaffirm our beliefs and values. We take parts of documents, records, and articles and present an argument to defend our position. It is in this context that this book is written.

My son-in-law who volunteers on the AARP Board in Oregon promotes the slogan for senior citizens: Let your voice be heard. Senior citizens have a wealth of knowledge and experiences that need to be shared. With ten thousand seniors retiring every month for the projected nineteen years into the future, this resource needs to be mined. I am trying to be heard by writing.

I was most fortunate in my pursuit of career goals that I have had and have a partner—Gail, my wife of fifty-six years—who supported me and raised our children of whom we are very proud.

Fred Bedell, January 2014

Acknowledgments

I would like to acknowledge the following educators, friends, and relatives who have guided and helped me along my career path:

- Ms. Klein for believing in me and guiding me,

- Carroll Johnson, for his vision on integrating White Plains public schools and making me a part of that effort,

- Greg Anrig for his faith in my abilities and his support and recommendations for job advancement,

- Lino Fiori and Manson Donaghey for hiring me and guiding me,

- Peter Edelman for hiring me and guiding me in political matters,

- Frank Hall in advancing my career in state government,

- Tom Coughlin for throwing me a lifeline and hiring me when I was down and out,

- Ken Blanchard for his mentoring and guidance,

- Bailey Jackson for pushing me to get my doctorate degree,

- Jerry Marcus for his help and guidance in my return to public education,

- Noble Gividen and Paul Irvine for their vision and risk taking in revolutionary educational programs and having the confidence in