Five Golden Rings

Intro-

It’s the number Five that changes pace here in the 12 Days. No obvious birds. No trees. Just a long- fiiiiiive goal- den rings. And what rings might the song be referring to in long breath? I have seen gold rings in reference to the song. Literally. Was it in a 12 Days music video? Advent calendar? Pentatonix? I can not recall, but I see 5 rings associated with this song. Is it Rings on a finger? Maybe, but it does not match the rest of the song, so let’s take a silent pause and think of other possibilities.

Basic-

Five Gold-en Rings. There are five interlocking rings representing the Olympic symbol. Equal size rings in different colors (blue, yellow, black, green, and red). “The International Olympic Committee (IOC) owns the symbol and has exclusive rights to any commercial use.” I.School does not have the required signatories to be rejected by the committee for unauthorized commercial use.

Dendrochronology is the scientific method of dating tree rings. In Ancient Greek, Dendron means tree; khronos means time; and logia, the study of time. 12 Days. Final month of the year, December. I kind of like that, but it’s a bit of a stretch. And why 5?

Proficient-

Birders don’t quit. The American Ornithological Society says, “The gift for day 5 in the original and modern version is ‘golden rings’ but several sources claim—correctly I think—that these are birds too, probably European Goldfinches, which were called goldspinks in the 1700s. Others have argued that these were Ring-necked Pheasants which have been claimed to have golden rings around their neck (but they don’t). The pheasant interpretation matches the culinary theme of the other 6 birds in the song, but the goldfinch was a popular cage bird in the 18th century. The melodic break in the song suggests a change of theme but the melody was added more than a century after the words.”

Advanced-

The meaning of the Fifth gift is open to interpretation. Some say singers need breaths between verses; Others say 5 represents the first books of the Old Testament, the Torah or the Pentateuch. Advanced students of I.School will take information and then quietly tuck it away and integrate it into I philosophy.

#5 is the True Gift of Silence, in my I.

Silence is Golden.

After I wrote this, I got into my car and heard this story- “Birding to Change the World”

In the silence of Katrina. After so many deaths. Trish O’Kane heard a Red Cardinal. Then started a school.

Which reminded me of another audio listen: Spark Bird

My I.Playlist #5 is Moonlight Sonata, by Ludwig van Beethoven. (This is not a sad song to me. It reminds me of the pain/ beauty of this Life. As is. All of it.)

Four Calling Birds

Intro- Four Calling Birds. Call for what?

Basic-

Call it what you want, four calling birds are blackbirds. Bob Montgomerie of the Ornithological Society wrote, “The CALLING BIRDS of day 4 are the most interesting to me as the original said ‘colly birds’ and subsequent variants said the birds were ‘canary’, ‘collie’, ‘colley’, ‘colour’d’, ‘curley’, ‘coloured’, ‘corley’, and finally ‘calling’ by Austin in 1909 published with his new tune. I am surprised no one ever suggested ‘collared’. The original ‘colly bird’ was the European Blackbird (Turdus merula) as ‘colly’ meant ‘black’ as in ‘coaly’, and is why border collies bear that name. The subsequent versions are undoubtedly the result of mis-hearings and misinterpretations.” AOS

Proficient-

Researching Four Calling Birds led me to Crows, Jays and the Black-billed Magpie. Songs of blackbirds, Sixpence, and pies; the Beatles, Counting Crows and more nursery rhymes about birds and (‘naughty boys’) being baked in a pie after a blackbird plucked off the nose of a maid or a queen… plucking it off again. Yea, it got weird. And with song, research kept getting weirder. Blackbeard, Pirates, and Queen Anne’s Revenge, (the name of the ship Blackbeard sank, on purpose). Well, here is where I shall proficiently re-focus on I.School. Back to four calling birds. The proficiency, the lesson here at four calling birds, is that is is not some simple song. Stories have been lost, interpreted, re-interpreted into more songs. The lesson is this- the more you know, the more I swoop into research, the less I ‘really’ know. And it is fun!

Advanced-

Yes, I personally have found my “calling,” bird. I highly recommend it. Teaching for some IS a calling. It calls me to learn. To put into action, what I learn. Teach, if possible. Repeat. Like so many things in I.School, I am surprised the direction my learning takes me. The Black-Billed Magpie (after researching the 12 Days of Christmas song) caught my attention. I am fascinated. In my newly purchased book, Birds of The Rocky Mountains, describes the Pica pica, (Black-Billed Magpie) as so:

“The beauty of this bird is too often overlooked because its raucous and aggressive demeanor overshadows its gorgeous, panda-like plumage. The long, shiny tail of the Black-billed Magpie is one of the longest of any North American bird. A well planned day trip in Colorado can yield as many as 10 members of the corvid family. Black-billed Magpies also occur in Europe, North Africa, Arabia and Asia.”

Along with Jays and Crows, Pica picas are smart, protective (of their young), and under appreciated. My kind of bird.

The song I chose for my playlist #4 is - “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone.

Four emotions- Fear, Sadness, Anger, Joy. and Birds. Freedom. You know how I feel!

Three French Hens

Intro-

I once had a student bring his chicken to class. No, I did not know he had a fancy French hen tucked into his backpack until the end of a 90 min. block. It was quiet, and as I came to find out, the French Hen is gentle, passive and “good for children” as pets. The student in question did have questionable behaviors; but I will say, the memory of seeing that little black plume poking out of a zippered opening, well, the memory of that is priceless. So, thank you Z.

Probably not one of the houdan hens pictured here.

My story. My memory. I’ll tell it like I like.

Basic-

Three French Hens: Or was it intended to be three Fat Hens? Faverolles chicken? Pets or meat?

Proficient-

“But why ‘French‘ hens? The Latin word for chicken is gallus and, as a result, the scientific name is Gallus gallus . In Roman times, France was Gaul, and people who lived there were Gallic. It seems that the simple word association between the homonyms Gallus and Gallic irrevocably associated the fowl with France. Indeed, a rooster was often a decorative ornament on church bell towers in France during the Middle Ages, and the Gallic Rooster (see photo, right) was an important symbol during the French Revolution. American Ornithological Society.

Advanced-

Three: Building Blocks, Layers of I.School.

What are you building? Today. How might changing the origin (through research) thus, changing interpretations of a common story, change your story?

What memories are you finding today? What memories are being overlooked? Tucked away in a backpack? When you build your house or coop of straws, sticks and bricks, are you seeing it from the outside in, or inside out?

The Gauls!!

Song #3. Brick House- Commodores;

Two Turtle Doves

Intro:

“tur-tur,” Latin, is onomatopoeic (name imitates the sound described- cool word hugh?) The female dove is the turtle. Male turtla. So, no relation to the shell covered reptile. Which kind of bummed me out, but the coo and purr bird sounds- hence the name “turtle doves”, makes more sense.

Basic-

Turtle Doves are migratory. They travel twice seasonally. North to South or South to North, depending on environment.

Proficient-

Symbolic of peace. Timid lil creatures; not remarkably swift. Currently on the endangered species list. (okay, I’m not totally sure, but they are on the decline).

Advanced-

Mythology links Turtle Doves with Fides, goddess of Trust and Good Faith.

#2 What do you trust? Honesty and good faith are signs of wisdom. How would you quietly cultivate trust?

song playlist day #2. Pick a song of reflection.

Mine is “How we Operate”, by Gomez. Changing perspectives, so I can see things your way.

A Partridge in a Pear Tree

Intro-

The funniest thing to me about the first line in the classic song of the 12 days of Christmas, is that “a partridge” bird would probably NOT be in a tree at all. They are ground nesters that eat seeds and bugs. Partridges would not be inclined to partake in any fruit eating, therefore would not have the motivation to fly into a tree.

Basic-

Story. Simple enough, One Partridge. One Pear Tree.

Proficient-

Interpretation. Gathering information.

Partridges: Ground Dwelling Birds. Birds that feature variable plumage colouration across species.

Pear Tree: Youthful dreams; requite specific growing conditions. Blossoms are thought to lighten trauma inducing situations.

'Tree of Life'. Until recently many families planted a pear tree to celebrate the birth of a girl.

According to Greek legend, the first partridge appeared when Daedalus (a skillful architect and craftsman, seen as a symbol of wisdom, knowledge and power) threw his apprentice, Talos (being more gifted than his teacher) off the sacred hill of Athena in a fit of jealous rage.

Supposedly mindful of his fall, the bird does not build its nest in the trees, nor take lofty flights and avoids high places. “Falling upwards.”

Advanced-

Using information, re-interpreted to advance I.School Philosophy of Life.

Stay low to the ground.

Day One. #1. What keeps you “Grounded”?

Choose a song for I.Playlist. (I chose “Shallow Ground” by Corrosion of Conformity.)

A Game

Tragically hilarious! Just try to change the topic.

Instead of continuous chatter about school, jobs, or what is on a screen. Let’s make it a game!

Talk about something else. Anything! (wholesome).

I.notebook. Note to self. Make list of topics of interest as to not waste more time.

I.School is this: “I refuse to let institutions take any more of my livelihood; waste any more of my time; I choose bliss? not this?.” Yea, it is a game. A hard game to play.

I’m in.

I’m also lazy. I take something in plain sight. I research it. Re-interpret it with meaning. Make it part of my daily philosophy.

An insomniac, for decades, I spent many hours playing Super Mario Brothers. Yes, it was fun. A game that kept me occupied, for decades. I wouldn’t say I got much out of playing except avoiding sleep. I will never get those hours/ years back. but I can use some principles-

  1. You can always go back to level one. 2. Sometimes the goombas get ya, when you least expect. 3. Equipment helps when you know how to use it. 4. Pink and Blue friends are fun companions. Keep them close. 5. Be patient. 6. But don’t take too much time. Tick Tock…

thats the idea. Take something you know. Interpret it with honesty and meaning. Make it fun- a game. Your try.

A meaningful game. Twelve Days of a song. Re-interpreted.

No shopping. No presents. Minimal decorating. I’d rather spend time doing something meaningful. Just not in the mood to play old games.

TO the gift of TIME well spent.

Giving Thanks x 12

For time well spent.

Fro time well spent Re-interpreting stories. An I.School specialty. This month is a 12 day sampler.

Based on a traditional song called “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Here is an I-interpretation December 1 through 12.

The 12 Days of Christmas is not strictly religious, but it has been interpreted in both religious and non-religious ways. Traditionally counted from December 25th. But for I.school, December 1-12 seems oddly appropriate.

Do you know the song? Starting with “True Loves” Gifts:

On the first day: A Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the second day: Two Turtle Doves

And so on.

What do you know of the song? The birds? The trees? Or is there more to interpretation?

Welcome to December 12 Days I.School interpretations.

Stay or Go?

For those thinking of leaving the US.

  1. Where are you going to go? And do you think other places want you? Maybe, but it is worth asking first.

  2. If you have the means to leave, what does that action say to those who do not have the means to leave? We have all contributed to this situation. Who is left to clean up messes?

  3. This is a global situation. This is not US isolated. Ask, what are the patterns? Seek original stories.

  4. Consider other options. We are limited in creative problem solving, me thinks. Stay or leave? Good or bad? Suck it up or go “off the grid”. It is as if those are the only extremities. There are more conversations to be had.

  5. I choose to stay. I choose life. I.School is daily practice of choosing to fight for time off. To stand up for foundational principles worth fighting for. Fighting is not the operative word, however. Passively, actively spending time researching. Searching for Truths worth living for. It is easy when one has time to actively-passively resist being pulled out of ones own mind.

Time is worth ‘fighting’ for. YOU students are worth time. The highest value. Is worthy of you.

No matter where you are.

Koko and Robin dream

So, I had this great dream last night. I dreamed Robin Williams was talking to me, only I was Koko the gorilla. (Dreams are weird, man. What can I say?)

We, Robin and I, re-wrote a skit from the 1998 movie Good Will Hunting. Our dreamy, “Mock Monologue” from the 1998 Movie Good Will Hunting. Staring Mr. Robin Williams. Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and Minnie Driver. 

(And Scene.)

So, why do you think I should go back to work for the NAEP? (Go back to teaching)

New charter schools, continued chaos, high demand, low pay and lower self-esteem.

90% or approx. million American students attend public schools. The NAEP’s  (national assessment for educational progress) 28 board members are in head of the Nation’s Report Card. 

———————————————————————————

S: the question isn’t why should you go back into teaching. The question is why shouldn’t you?

I: Why shouldn't I go back into the (NAEP) classroom?  That's a tough one but I’ll give it a shot. 

Say I go back into the classroom and I get handed an AP curriculum, 150 students, and a rigorous standardized test to chaperone.

Maybe I stick to the curriculum and maybe I help students get an “extremely qualified” percentage on the exam. I get a teacher appreciation slap on the neck for a job well done.

But maybe that score helps a few students get into a top ranked college. Say, in the NorthEast. They end up with a 15% interest rate on a $100,000 lean it takes em 30 years to pay off. My students, along with 46 million other students, get blamed for a national debt crisis.

Now the policy makers and profiteers are in a pissing contest about who’s going to pay for the $1.7 Trillion student debt; a debt (NAEP, and others) orchestrated and financially profited from in the first place. They don’t give a shit about my students because their subsidies/ profit margins paid for their kids private education, just like their trust funds got them out of public schools too.

It’ll be my students who can't get a job with their degree while still paying off student debt, living back at home with mom and dad; riddled with both depression and high anxiety. No health care working at a fast food joint across the street from their old high school.

Meanwhile, my students realized the purpose of “cells and bells” schooling was to coerce and confuse children into obedience through censorship in a quasi-incarceration institution specifically built for their subjugation.  

I figure if we recruit a Sixth grade student as an indentured servant; give em years to learn trades and skills from master apprentices; acquire genuine knowledge about personal finance; red Howard Zinn’s History of the United States; travel the world; pursue a personal passion with principled purpose instead of impersonating business management portrayals of unattainable and nonexistent, nonsense lies propagated in the classroom- Heck

They could make me an uberwensch! (Dream got weird here. ???????) 

So what do I think?             

I’m holding out for something better. 

(End Scene.) 

Dream

11/11/24 Ketchup and Mustard

“Ketchup and Mustard”. Priceless Treasure from the I.Newson archive.

From: Jared Escobar <Sent: Monday, September 16, 2019 8:20 PM
To: Newson Ingrid <
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Ketchup and Mustard

 Hey Newson!

It has been too long! I was just reading the Republic for my philosophy class, when I remembered where it all started. With you! Great book but it reminded me that I should give thanks to those who educated me properly. There is a portion in Book VI where Socrates mentions the sailors all fighting for captain, but the one who was actually the best navigator and star gazer would never become captain because he wasn't trying to take power. Immediately my brain yelled, VIVA LA REVA-NEWSON! You are that sailor with a significant amount of valuable knowledge that stays behind the scenes leading from the background. And then I thought well a philosopher teacher is perfect because they educate others on the value of educating others. And you have done just that in me. 

          I got a tattoo last year that says the three words, I don't know. Simply because I was so amazed with their moral implications, and now we are talking about Socrates and his, the only I do know is that I know nothing, and I realize that is what I subconsciously walked into. You inspired me to question and wonder and be curious and be content. Choose your future, love your choice has never left me. I don't think it ever will. There are so many lessons that I learned from you and I wanted to let you know.

         Anyways just to update you on where I am at. Finished my first year at Western, and I spent my whole summer in Durango working at a summer camp called Colvig Silver Camps. It was the time of my life and I got to take 8-10 year olds on one night and three day backpacking trips over two weeks, four different times. Although not simple, very rewarding, and definitely gave me some clarity on what age group I want to work with, not that age ha. Definitely devoted myself to a good amount of backpacking ever since. I got Labrum Surgery on my shoulder in July of 2018 and in March of 2019. It has been unfortunate, but I have enjoyed camping and hiking as less dangerous outlets. My thoughts are all over the place, but I am also gonna be minoring in philosophy now which I am stoked about. 

          I started off the school year as an Orientation Leader where I got payed to make friends so that was sick and now I am working four different jobs. I am working at Wilderness Pursuits, the low cost recreation group that is an on campus opportunity for students. I am working as a sustainability coordinator for the LEAD(Leadership, Engagement, and Development) Office and we are getting a super expensive rocket composter started:) I am also the Secretary for the Club Sports Council, and I am a Teacher's Assistant for a Leadership and Facilitation class. So staying busy, but I still find time to kendama. I would say I am happier than ever. A busy schedule, a nourishing summer, a small community, and of course the ambiguity of philosophy to keep me thinking. Life is good. 

         But enough about me! Tell me about your summer, did you do anything fun? Still teaching the same classes? Did you get a new dog, maybe invested in a turtle? Any new hobbies or pastimes? Any new philosophical breakthroughs? I can't wait to hear back from you. Above all, I hope all is well.

Jared E

Jared!!!

It is so wonderful to get this e-mail.  I confess it chocked me up and I had to re-read it with clearer eyes.  You made my day. 🙂  You get me. 


I was thinking about you the other day and I remembered you saying how you were skeptical about former students writing me long after graduation and then you e-mailed me the following year.  It made me happy and I am so happy to be writing to you now.  It really is rewarding to get such an authentic note.  


I am so glad to hear you are thriving and perhaps flourshing?  I think there is something magic in Gunnison air.  I bet you are fantastic with those impressionable lil darlins. How rewarding.  Working with kids has certainly been the love of my career life.  It really is some kind of calling. I could do without some of the business bs but such is my fate. 


I went to the Dominican Republic this summer and it was not a vacation as much as it was an education.  Wow, my eyes are wide open. We stayed with families and whoa am I humbled.  Unforgettable trip. 

My baby is now in college and we are empty nesters.   It was really weird and existentially sad at times, but I am readjusting and having fun.  I started painting again and my brain takes over.  No works of art but a great way of self expression.  

I still teach Psych and Philosophy.  I feel on top of my game and having a blast with students this semester.  I am planning on retiring in two years.  Hahahaha  I am finally graduating from High School... I have no idea what to do with the rest of my life so if you have some ideas, send em my way.  

Thank you so much for taking time to reach out.  You have a special place in my world as a former student and I am grateful  to know you.  I would really like to hear more about your Philosophy class! And YES! I have been reading a mind blowing book called The Master and His Emissary.  I would love to tell you about it. 

Keep up the good life and

"Above all, I hope all is well" (I like that and am stealing it from you 🙂) 

Newson

Newson,

You have been so influential in my life and hearing back from you is more special than you know. Authenticity is something I learned from you, so it is only fair that you get to receive some of your own medicine.

      I am glad you got to experience a bit of a paradigm shift from going to the DR, its memories like that that mold your personality. And an empty nest! Congratulations, and if you thought you were bored now, imagine how you are gonna feel two years from now after you graduate.

        I always remember that story from when you were proctoring the standardized test, and you got so bored you created the ABC's of philosophy(Something I would very much like to have a copy of:). I can't tell you how many times I have gotten off of my lazy ass just because I thought back to that story. 

          And retirement?! Holy crap thats awesome, you better write a novel, or produce a movie, or start a revolt. I mean that much free time is dangerous! Here are some suggestions I thought of off the top of my head:

Take up a pastime you thought you would never do before: Guitar, Fishing, Mahjong, Paintball, Kendama, whatever.Create a masterpiece, a life story, a documentary, a mural, anything that requires a little extra creativity, something I know you are good at.Invest in Connect 4Start a non-profit or anything of the sortMove to a foreign country

Just a couple thoughts. 

      So my philosophy class is an introduction course, and is styled where we are given a reading, so far it has just been Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Unfortunately my teacher likes to lecture a lot on those, but he is open to conversation which we haven't done enough of, I think. Thus far just explored the Republic and everything in there from the Allegory of the Cave/Divided Line to the idea of justice and now we are transitioning into the Golden Mean and Eudaemonia and all that. This class has been a wonderful refresher away from all the hubbub of life. Counting down the days until Existentialism:)

       I am glad to hear from you, you are a superstar. Keep on Keepin' on!

Jared 

        

Please keep talking

about Industry-

Which encourages an “eat drink and be merry” philosophy of life.

Then, get blamed for being “fat, alcoholic, and depressed.”

Then, no worries! Get ‘rescued’ by pills, expensive time-consuming therapy, and shopping.

Any conversations outside a sick industry simply will no be discussed. Period.

Follow WMD’s (weapons of mass distraction)

  • watch screens

  • do not deviate from industry talk

  • complain and stay numb

  • get job

  • obey

    too edgy?

As long as we keep talking about food, booze and ways to distract (get merry), we will not move beyond the eat, drink and be merry philosophy.

There is more beyond the talk bubble.

Smile

Students of I.School.

If today is a happy day for you, I celebrate with you. You have power. Great responsibility.

Do Good. Be wise.

If today is a sad/angry day, I grieve with you. Anger and sadness are powerful. Express with great responsibility.

Do good. Be wise.

Either way, Smile. (If you are celebrating, And still angry? hmmm, I’d think about that one).

Either way, Smile AS rebellion. Do good. That is the MOST radical thing you can do right now.

How to cultivate a genuine smile:

  1. Recognize the differences. Smiles can be- sarcastic, political, suggestive, gloating, manipulative, innocent or sincere. To mention a few. Which one are you?

  2. Start with genuine intentions. What kind of smile do you want?

  3. Start there.

Smile. Charlie Chaplin.

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near

That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile…

I’m not smiling because I am ignorant to my environment. I am smiling because, I am creating something within my environment. It took a lot of work to live this lazy dream, gently down the….

NAEP 22-26

Newson here,

Reporting back on predicted changes to the Nations Report Card from i.School 2022.

NAEP- National Assessment for Educational Progress.

I was wrong. The nations report card was better than ever. Students are sleeping well and feeling good about testing, and good about the future.

Wouldn’t that be something? Nope. I predicted the NAEP Reading Framework would change. It did.

While national conversations focus on politics, the NAEP has been busy.

NAEP 2022. Pages 19-43 Matrix for Reading Assessments.

NAEP 2026. Exhibit 3.5. Seven Principles of Universal Design of Assessments (UDA),

In two years, the Reading Assessment went from 34 pages of instruction to assessment to one. Pg 38.

Confusing language explaining how students need to better read and communicate.

Example:

2022: NAEP Reading, (part of a lengthy Matrix) “The matrices are designed to show the following aspects of literary and informational text: • Genres and types of text to be assessed. • Text structures and features about which items may be asked. • Aspects of author’s craft about which items may be asked. Types of text refers to the idealized norms of a genre (Fludernik 2000), not the source of the stimulus material per se.”

To, 2026: Reading Principle 6. Maximum Readability and Comprehensibility- “This principle refers to the ability of a text to be understood by all test takers so that readability does not interfere with the measurement of other content.” *These UDA principles are drawn from Thompson et al., 2002.

Which brings us to, World Bank Document Similar Universal Design of Assessment.

New to me, similar readability.

Maximum readability and comprehensibility.

Plain language guidelines are followed to produce readable and comprehensible text (for example, limited sentence length and avoiding unnecessary or difficult words).

2025 Mandate (Project 2025) examples:

page 338. “The Department of Education (or whichever agency collects such data long term)”

Federal intervention in education has failed to promote student achievement. After trillions spent since 1965 on the collective programs now housed within the walls of the department, student academic outcomes remain stagnant. On the main National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), reading outcomes on the 2022 administration have remained unchanged over the past 30 years.

Protecting the federal student loan portfolio from predatory politicians. The new Administration must end the practice of acting like the federal student loan portfolio is a campaign fund to curry political support and votes. The new Administration must end abuses in the loan forgiveness programs. Borrowers should be expected to repay their loans.

P.2025 Plan. Get rid of the department of Ed. And the NAEP. Who profits? Many, including- The current Head of the NAEP.

The Honorable : Haley Barbour 2019- current. NAEP chair.

Former Governor of Mississippi and “One of Washington’s all time mega-Lobbyist.” Haley Barbour. So much to read.

Simply, however- Kids Pay. Global someone, not you profits. It works!

Have time to understand the jargon? Exactly.

Thats depressing. Want to take your mind off?

See you in I.School. :) Take Care. Take Time.

It was the Fast of Times

I.Connect: 3 

Philosophy, History and Psychology

Pick Three Topics

One. Fast Times At Ridgemont High. A 1982 movie about High School;

Two. Cuba; A secondary story within the movie. High School History Lesson on Cuba, 1902.

Three. General Education Board 1902. What get’s taught in schools.

Once Upon a Time: 

“So we will organize our children into a little community and teach them to do in a perfect way the things their fathers and mothers are doing in an imperfect way, in the homes, in the shops and on the farm." Board of Education 1902.

In The Mean Time:

“The Country School of Tomorrow”; and  the ‘mambisas' mystery.

Fast Times. 

At Ridgemont High.

Aloha,

In  a 1982 movie, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Jeff Spicoli (played by Sean Penn, age 22 in 1982), is a fictional character. Spicoli is a mostly high, high school student. (Never-mind a rant about how movies badly portray the entire public school experience.) He attends a US history class with teacher, Mr. Hand, played by Ray Walston. Although, I personally did not appreciate the movie in its time, I do keep coming back to a particular exchange about school and time. 

It goes something like this. 

Scene. High school social studies classroom introduction day. Backdrop of a globe, books, posters of Presidents. As Mr. Hand walks around the class commanding a declaration of class rules for the year. Scene:

Mr. Hand: You get used to doing your own business on your own time. Just like you wouldn’t want me to come to your house some evening and discuss US history on your time, understand?

Spicoli: Yes sir. 

(first day) lingers… into

Mr. Hand: Three weeks we’ve been talking about the Platt Amendment. What are you people, on dope?”

After shaming kids with grades, Mr. Hand asks why Spicoli is not in class, and finding out he was at the ‘food machine ine’ Mr. Hand demands-

“Okay, Bring him in.” Followed by, a Hand rant-

“What is this fascination with truancy? What is it that gets inside your heads? There are some teachers look away at truants. It’s a little game that you both play. They present they don’t see you. You pretend you don’t ditch. Now, who pays the price later? You.”

Spicoli walks in with fetching student. (Vans in hand, bagel in pants). “Wait a minute. There’s no birthday party for me here.” 

Spicoli: Hola, Mr. Hand. 

Mr. Hand: What’s the reason for your truancy?

Spicoli: Just couldn’t make it on time

Mr.Hand: You mean you couldn’t or you wouldn’t?

Spicoli: Well, it was like a full crowd scene at the food lines

Mr Hand: Food will be eaten on your time. Why are you continuously late for this class, Mr. Spicoli? Why do you shamelessly waste my time like this?

Spicoli: (pause). I don’t know

Mr Hand: writes on chalk board “I. DON”T KNoW” 

That’s nice! ‘Mr. Hand, will I pass this class? Gee, Mr. Spicoli, I don’t know.”

That’s nice. I really like that. You know what I’m gonna do? I’m going to leave your words on this board for all my classes to enjoy. Giving you full credit, of course, Mr. Spicoli. 

Spicoli: (smile) All right.

Bell rings. Later, Spicoli has a dream where he says, “Surfing’s not a sport. It’s a way of life. It’s no hobby. It’s like lookin at that wave and saying, ‘hey bud, let’s party!’

Next Classroom Scene-

Mr. Hand: Now, in 1898, Spain owned Cuba outright. Think about it. Cuba owned by a disorganized parliament over 4,000 miles away. Cubans were in a constant.. 

Camera to Spicoli. Sitting upright and alert. Dressed in a white turtle neck and Baja Hoodie (drug rug).  Spicoli smiles.

Mr. Hand: (looking perturbed, continues). Cubans were in a constant state of revolt. In 1904, the United States decided to show a little weight around— and uh

(Knocking) 

Mr Hand: Who is it?

Mr. Pizza Guy.

Mr Hand: Again?

Mr. Pizza Guy, sir. (Walks in) Who ordered the double cheese and sausage?

Spicoli: Right here, dude.  (Pays) For you, dude.

Mr. Hand (rubs face in frustration). Am I hallucinating here? Just what in the hell do you think you’re doing? 

Spicoli: Learning about Cuba and having some food. 

Mr. Hand: Mr. Spicoli, you’re on dangerous ground here.  You’re causing a major disturbance on my time.

Spicoli:  I’ve been thinking about  this, Mr. Hand. If I’m here and you’re here, doesn’t that make it our time? And certainly there’s nothing wrong with a little feast on our time. 

Mr. Hand: You’re absolutely right, Mr. Spicoli. It is our time. Yours, mine and everyone else’s in this room. But it is my class. Hamilton, Brandt, Cornfeld, (clap clap clap) up front!  Mr. Spicoli has been kind enough to bring us a snack. Be my guest. Help yourselves. 

Mr. Hand, Offers Spicoli’s pizza to the rest of the class and eats a bite himself in front of a despairingly looking Spicoli. 

End Scene. 

Fast Times at Ridemont High includes themes of sex, violence, abortion, death, and field trips. Typical for high school, coming of age story, I guess. Minus the field trips.

All while being instructed to “Conduct yourselves with the utmost maturity.” Sure.

I.School

As a History Teacher, here are some slow time Discussions I would like to have from Fast Times, the Movie.

The Platt Amendment, 1906

History- The Platt Amendment and Cuba. But,

Before I get back to the Platt Amendment- A note on Philosophy and drugs.  

Dope. About that. 

I.School does not endorse dope/drugs. It is one of the most annoying thing I face as a Philosophy teacher. There is a stereotype that in order to think and talk philosophy, one must go deep. And in order to go deep one must do drugs. Dude! 

Most annoying because actual philosophers are seekers of truth and wisdom. (Philosophy literally means the pursuit of Wisdom.) Barriers or inhibitors, inhibit that pursuit. If one cannot think or see clearly, closer to a truth, then one cannot honestly pursue truth. It gets blurred. 

This is I.School. Do what you wish. Just don’t call it pursuit of wisdom or truth seeking.

Also,

Spicoli may be a hilarious poster-child for school drug cliques, but let’s think about it deeper. Are there drugs in High School these daze? 2024.

Of course. 

Now where do conversations usually go from there?

Blame.

Blame kids, politicians (election year), Al Pacino, Parents, schools, teachers. Etc.

What does not get talked about, more?

The very reason kids want to check out of school in the first place.  

Such as a three week lesson on the Platt Amendment or Cuba. Mr. Hand shamed students  in grades on the Platt Amendment, and test taking. By the way, how many students, aside from one random AP question, know the context of the Platt Amendment?

Ironically,

The Platt Amendment was a treaty between the United States and Cuba that gave the United States the right to intervene in Cuban affairs and limited Cuba's sovereignty. 

The 1902 Platt Amendment- allowed US intervention in order “to maintain Cuban independence and protect life, property and liberty,” By restricting Cuba from making alliances with other countries, and by allowing the US to lease or buy land for US naval bases.

Subsequently the US ratified a tariff that gave Cuban sugar preferences to US markets. 

There is more to story, but I say ironically, because- well, can you think of another similar scenario?

Simultaneously, between 1902-1906 the US also privately instituted Public Education.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Education_Board

On January 15, 1902, the US  created the General Education Board. Privately formed and funded by John D. Rockefeller, and other prominent investors, with the small, 17 member group goal of: “The Country School of To-Morrow.” 

Each decade to follow would set precedence for the future Country’s of To_Morrow, Schools. 

1910- report, Abraham Flexner stated that Black schools should focus on "hygiene rather than surgery" and noted that for Black educated doctors, "their duty calls them away from large cities to the village and the plantation.”

1914- "Learn that any work, however menial, if well done, is dignified; learn that the world will give full credit for labor and success, even though the skin is black; learn that it is a mistake to be educated out of your necessary environment; know that it is a crime for any teacher, white or black, to educate the Negro for positions which are not open to him; know that the greatest opportunity for a successful life lies in the Southland where you were born, where the people know you and need you, and will treat you far better than in any other section of the country.”

General Education Board,  Philosophy

"In our dream, we have limitless resources and the people yield themselves with perfect docility to our molding hand. The present educational conventions fade from their minds; and, unhampered by tradition, we work our own good will upon a grateful and responsive rural folk. We shall not try to make these people or any of their children into philosophers or men of learning, or men of science. We have not to raise up from among them authors, editors, poets or men of letters. We shall not search for embryo great artists, painters, musicians nor lawyers, doctors, preachers, politicians, statesmen, of whom we have an ample supply…The task we set before ourselves is very simple as well as a very beautiful one, to train these people as we find them to a perfectly ideal life just where they are… So we will organize our children into a little community and teach them to do in a perfect way the things their fathers and mothers are doing in an imperfect way, in the homes, in the shops and on the farm." -

General Education Board, Occasional Papers, No. 1 "The country school of to-morrow" (General Education Board, New York, 1913) p. 6

Connect 3 Quiz

History: Considering Cuba and the Platt Amendment, what does that say about 

A) Power, Authority and Governance (Theme 6); 

B) Production, distribution and consumption (Theme 7); 

C) and Civic Ideals and Practices (Theme 10)

*National Council for the Social Studies. 

Ten Themes of social studies programs. 

https://www.socialstudies.org/standards/national-curriculum-standards-social-studies-introduction

Psychology: The psychological motive for the Board of Education, from its inceptions, has been to _________________.  

A. Manipulate constituents (students)  using social conditioning, isolation and fear to gain (and maintain) control. Often by use of fear and guilt combined with a sense of learned helplessness (a no-way out mentality)

B. Use peer influence and rituals to enforce conformity to the group’s beliefs (Board of Education) and produce ideal behaviors (from constituents).

C. Use propaganda (media and data) and persuasion (laws) to implant their ideology into constituents minds. With the hope constituents will give up, and maintain a child-like state of Control.

D. Capitalize on weaknesses of a child-like state, (in education, created by education) by heavily investing in pharmaceuticals, alcohol industry, media, (*any and all addictions benefit the Board and Trustees, and aid in the continual break down of students belief systems and individuality). 

E. All of the above. 

Philosophy:

One question. What is the purpose of education? Okay, two questions. Is it working?

In conclusion, Connect Three is a little game I play. Take three random events and connect. No, real tests. No data. Just think.

Think. For yourself. In the Fast times or the Mean Times. (To me it matters. Connect Three: The US Influence in Cuba. The Teaching of- telling the story of- US influence in Cuba- while Influencing US thinking.) What is in your history class?

What do you do with your time? Who’s time is it?

I’ve been thinking about  this, Mr. Hand. If I’m here and you’re here, doesn’t that make it our time?

Level 6

Hierarchy of Needs. In Need of a Distraction!?

Balance. Relief, from the tyranny of talk. Get ready for it….

Lists. Self-talk or fun ways to change the conversation.

Lists of 10: Time yourself. (or not) Think of how many you can on your own. Skip the ones you don’t like. Adapt and expand the ones you like. Are there patterns? Can you turn it into a game?

Here are 10~10 I.School suggestions: List 10 ________

Authors, Movie Producers, Composers, Cereal Box icons, Food cartoon characters, Cartoon/ cartoon characters, Holiday icons, Mascots, Superheroes s, Villains, Entrepreneurs, colors other than the obvious, birds, Metal Bands, The last 10 songs you listened to, Words that don’t make sense, Comedians, Planets and their moons, constellations, lastly for today- 10 lists of lists.

Why?

It’s a distraction from your distractions. Good wholesome fun.

10 in 10 outline

A Plan. One Through Ten. Keep what works. Change what does not. Repeat.

Again and Again.

10 solid ideas to keep you grounded.

Use Numbers as mnemonics to stay focused.

On you. the ‘I’.

One Level at a time. Level One. A Foud-a- tion! A Foundation to land on. Solid. 1-10.

  1. Yes. 2. Reflect. 3. Build. 4. Truths. 5. Silently. 6. Balance. 7. Choices. 8. Strength in 9. Values. 10. Complete. Repeat.

Level II. Know. Thyself. (mirror)1. What do you need? 2. What do you talk about when you reflect? 3. What are you building now in conversations? 4. Is it true, what you talk about? 5. How is your head when quiet? 6. What is more balanced now? 7. where are you on the vice v. Virtue spectrum? 8. What strengths do you want to continue? 9. What values do you want to keep? 10. What is left unfinished? Repeat.

Level III. Build. 1. How will you get your needs met? 2. Reflect and change conversation. 3. This will take a while. Categorize conversations. 4. What conversations support your truths? 5. Shut Up. (**remember that is an I.School complement and opportunity to shut the nonsense noises out.) 6. Physically balance. 7. Experiment. 8. Play. 9. Study. 10. Test yourself. Repeat.

Level IV. Story Telling. Re-telling, past and future planning.

My current Level. is IV.

The good: Flexibility Within Structure. Predictability.

The trouble: Falling back into pre-conditioned behaviors.

More good than trouble, with time. I am still amazed at statements like:

“I have plenty of Time, how can I help!” (Time only I say yes or no to)

“No, I have not used an alarm to wake-up the past four years.” (since I.School)

“Yes, I do get the right amount of sleep. Nearly every night.”

“That is no problem, we can figure that out.”

“Yes, I do have time to enjoy my favorite things.”

“I am in no hurry.”

What to do in the Mean Times

It’s not the middle ages. It’s not the best of times. I like to think of this era as The Mean Times.

On the one hand, mean is to convey, indicate, or refer to (a particular thing or notion); signify. An intention. “I mean no harm.”

On the other hand, to be mean “lacks dignity or honor.” I think of mean spirited. Or just nasty mean. What makes us mean?

How do you find the mean? Add it all up and divide by the data set. Simplify.

What to do? Simple.

1-10

10. Make a playlist for the purpose of I.School. 10 songs to be listened to repeatedly. Conditioning.

9. Write down nine values you can live by. 3, for work, 3 for play, 3 for I (just you).

8. What’s your 8? What are eight little things ‘I’ can do daily to build strength? Physical, emotional, intellectual strengths.

7. Choose. Between two things. To sin less or to live more virtuously. But first ask why these 7 ?universal truths are considered “good/bad”. Pick one and dig deep.

  • Humility (Pride)

  • Chastity (Lust)

  • Generosity (Avarice)

  • Meekness (Anger)

  • Gratitude (Envy)

  • Temperance (Gluttony)

  • Diligence (Sloth)

6. Balance. Flip the triangle. Maslows hierarchy of needs. Where are you? What do you need? What can you balance today? Hint: More time for_____________________________.

5. Practice Silence every day. Three Times a day plus am/pm rituals.

4. What are your truths?

3. Build better conversations. What stories do you want to continue?

2. Defend a position. Research One topic thoroughly. Switch perspectives. Reflect. Mirror.

1. This is your life. Say Yes to it. What do you want?