poverty, television and American education

One of the biggest problems in school improvement is poverty. Working parents often leave children alone in the after school hours, where they have access to unrestricted television, but no tools and no Grandfather's wood shop to visit and find personal inspiration. Being poor in America used to provide the opportunity to see tools and people at work. One of the largest predictors of school success is the success of parents. If we compare poverty rates in the US (20%) with that of Finland (5%), we can account for the dramatic difference in PISA scores and perhaps look no further.

If we were to end poverty in America, we would see better schools as a result. But we have never accepted a national will for that. Instead, many would prefer to see people rise up on their own efforts, and are willing to accept children living in poverty as a reasonable price to pay for their idealism. But our success as a nation is truly dependent on the success of all. We must provide the means and incentives for parents and children to better their own lives. From my perspective that means wood shop, for all students, in all schools.

For children in poverty to be entertained and distracted by television and thus stripped of their creative power is a formula for national failure and international disgrace when we could actually do so much better.

An important pilot program is taking place at North Bennet Street School in Boston. I had visited NBSS in 2001, and first learned about Educational Sloyd from their development director. I did research and wrote articles about educational sloyd, reminding North Bennet Street School and woodworkers across the US of their role in the establishment of woodworking programs in public schools. In 1883, students from neighboring Eliot School began visiting NBSS for 2 hours a week and that led to the adoption of woodworking education for all students in the Boston Public School system. That system of woodworking education served as a model for the introduction of woodworking education in cities throughout the US.

And what we are witnessing now is the return of woodworking education. I am pleased that I had a role to play in that, through my work at Clear Spring School and as a mentor for North Bennet St. School as its renewed its relationship with Eliot School after a 125 year lapse. I don't know how many woodworkers in the US can fully grasp the significance of this. But significant it is. This morning, I am writing a letter of support for the director of North Bennet Street School for a grant application they are submitting to a major foundation. Please cross your fingers and wish all our children the best of luck. First Boston and then the world.

As you can see in the photo above, I have been hand-cutting dovetails for the drawer to fit the maple cabinet I'm making. I have learned that cutting the pins first actually gives a more accurate fit, so after doing it the other way for years, I am now convinced. Pins first and then tails. You can witness the precise fit. We have to break out of our old ways if we are willing to allow change. Turn off the TV set and Make, fix, create. Set an example for your own children to follow.