Silicon Valley –where so much technology, which we now realize can be very addictive, is created, is often for other people’s children.

Many parents in SV don’t allow their OWN to use it, or very much limit their children’s use, and choose schools (private, of course), where technology is not used–even as they keep on selling this stuff to public schools across the US.

In fact, more low-tech private schools are popping but, even as tech sales to public schools for other people’s children grow and grow.

http://www.businessinsider.com/silicon-valley-parents-raising-their-kids-tech-free-red-flag-2018-2

Is this just hypocracy? A double standard? Lack of knowledge? Good business practices? Or something else?

All I know is that it’s scary.

Check out this TED talk also–how these gadgets are DESIGNED to be addictive.

And yet, public schools keep on buying more and more technology for kids. Tests now DEMAND IT!!! See recent NAEP reports.

In the schools, this article cites Google’s push with Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Classroom.

Really?

Yes, really scary. The earlier kids get hooked, the more they will be loyal customers for life. Not bad, at tax payer dollars!

Yet, SV (for other people’s children) thinks of itself as being “good” and being for the “good.”

Really?

Yes, really scary. Read Joe Clement and Matt Miles’ book, Screen Schooled. This article states, “the co-authors make the case that technology does far more harm than good, even when it’s used to boost scores in reading and math.”

Yet schools continue on their buying spree.

Really?

Yes, really scary.

The author speculates that Steve Jobs would have opted his kids OUT of using this stuff.

And the article gives examples of some parents trying to stem the tide for their children.

Where’s the outrage? It’s really scary.

Thank you, Diane, for posting and James Harvey of the Superintendents’ Roundtable, for reminding us. We don’t live in Lake Wobegon where all kids are above average. Honestly, can all kids will be proficient?

https://dianeravitch.net/2018/04/10/james-harvey-dont-be-fooled-by-naep-proficient/

Raising false expectations leads to a loss of trust in our schools. Remember 2014 when the NCLB mandated (?) that all kids were to be proficient. How did that work out for us?

Wonderful story.

PBS–proficiency-based schools–is the way forward, as I see it. Let’s help kids BEFORE they fall behind. Let’s get them ready for kindergarten. Here’s a story about early childhood programs in California’s Lindsay Unified School District.

While it’s certainly a step in the right direction, I also believe in early childhood in the home! Recall the so-called “30 million word gap” research. We need home-based supports. Helping parents become better first teachers for their children is key! As an example of a successful program, please check out 10 Books a Home in California. www.10booksahome.org.

All good.