2007 NCTE Presidential Address: Where Ignorant Armies Clash by Night.

摘要: Although the title of my presidential address, "Where Ignorant Armies Clash by Night," was taken from Matthew Arnold's (1867) poem "Dover Beach," political and cultural battles we face today are quite different those Arnold believed were threatening his society in 19th-century England. Still, they no less dangerous, have reason to be fearful as see a misrepresented futile war Middle East; threats further war; hatred between religions, tribes, countries; suicide bombings; debilitating poverty third world here richest country on earth; worldwide climate change caused human selfishness neglect; government corruption abroad; an American president who believes he is king. Compared all forces tearing apart larger world, destruction education may seem minor matter. But it looms large small and, I think, yours. Perhaps one will die because our federal has usurped right that U.S. Constitution delegated states establish oversee public which states, turn, largely local communities. policies put into law, practices emanated policies, belief system generated them first place already damaged lives students teachers eroded excellence, flexibility, vitality education. Over more than forty years worked schools teacher, principal, district superintendent, always proud own role it. had arrived at last quarter 20th-century where really cared about children demonstrated caring with child-centered teaching, meaningful curricula, sensible school operations. Moreover, hallmark second chances. We didn't give up strugglers, late bloomers, or even dropouts, but relentlessly help replace failure success.