tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755637818606819433.post1321578526655279166..comments2023-11-03T06:14:28.420-07:00Comments on Education Blog: FreshGrade: A Communication Link Between Teachers and ParentsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4755637818606819433.post-7469152564025938142014-09-03T16:53:19.279-07:002014-09-03T16:53:19.279-07:00That's a very good concept to introduce, somet...That's a very good concept to introduce, something which more internally connected families have been practicing through the centuries: that parents stay involved in the education of their children, in many instances are very much on top of it, which is ideal. However, that's something which the broad masses have not been doing, yet should. But that is where the "lack of opportunity" starts, in circumstances like (a) where there are no parents or only one, and that one overworked and/or handicapped, (b) where the parents are not educated themselves, or (c) lack capability or interest of the parents of being involved, which could be because of drug use or the pursuit of totally different interests, or (d) other forms of disconnect to their children. Unfortunately, THAT (a)(b)(c)(d) part of the population is rather large, and those kids who have the benefit of a well functioning and mutually interested family is relatively small. Thus, "FreshGrade" is a good tool for the already privileged to function still better, which is all right, and in a competitive world certainly to be taken advantage of if you are in that category.<br /><br />At the same time, however, IMHO much more could and should be done to create conditions for those growing up to have concerned parents or some form of substitutes to be involved and help them along in their education. AND ways should be found and explored for growing up kids to find, choose and select intellectual sponsors and supporters on their own. It so happens that I was a kid that grew up that way from age 16 on, that's when my father died in a concentration camp and I became the prime income earner for my mother with yet three younger siblings of mine. In spite of all of this I did continue my education, paid for it myself (no other way at the time), and very much did reach out for the supervision and guidance by competent, friendly and supportive "somebody's." Guess what, I didn't have to reach far to find a great wealth of understanding, guidance and support, at minimal, often at no cost: Through books in libraries, including the America-House library of the American Embassy in Frankfurt/Germany at the time. I easily found the authors (though maybe long dead) who wanted to speak to me, knew the problems which they had worked through at their time, and gave me good advice for right then and there, plus have served me well since.<br /><br />Regarding the issue on hand, I think the world needs a FreshGrade also for all those NOT blessed with healthy and smart parents who have time for them. And/or a way for these masses of youngsters to create and connect to their own guidance and monitoring "whatevers." These could be humans, institutions, or just Google, maybe. Again, via today's technology and the Internet that could be a cinch, i.e. as soon as someone will do something about it. Maybe you could suggest this to your readers and someone will pick up the challenge. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com