Alternative School
Daughter Becky has attention deficit disorder and frankly, she�s not doing well in school. She�s a smart, creative kid, but you would never know it by looking at her grade cards. Lots of Fs. F as in FUCK! These are some terrible grades, honey.
After some careful consideration, we are moving her to the districts �alternative school� 200 kids vs 2,000 , tiny classrooms and an approach to learning that involves more than teacher lectures, you shut up and listen. If the kids want to make a mosaic of Abe Lincoln out of M&Ms for American History instead of writing a paper, why not?
It�s the ALTERNATIVE school.
So today Becky, her mother and I go on a tour of the school. It�s bright and shiny. Classes are informal, more like learning around the kitchen table than a lecture room. The kids are actively doing rather than absorbing and regurgitating.
I'm a psychologist. I know all about educationing special needs students. This is looking like an answer to our prayers.
The principal takes my ex and me into his office to recite the mission statement and gives us the big sell. We get to meet a few of the teachers. Becky is paired up with another student who takes her off to meet the rest of the happy, alternative gang. The ex is impressed and we both agree that it�s a good move and a second chance for our child to succeed in school.
About 45 minutes later, Becky reappears with several students. She looks happy as she exchanges hugs and e-mail addresses with her new friends. They can�t wait to see her in January. She smoozes the principal bigtime, thanking him for the opportunity to attend his wonderful school in a brand new year.
�So,� I say, back in the car, �You really think this is a good move for you'
'Oh hell yes!' Becky says, excitedly. There�s no homework. She can read any book she wants. She�s gets high school credit for working at the bagel shop and while her mother and I were holed up in the principals office, she, student guide and 2 young men, snuck over to the Taco Bell and smoked a joint.
She has found her people.
