Children Quote by Jim Trelease
““Not that parents are alone in their extreme behavior. That have more than enough company among school boards and high-ranking politicians who think if you "fix the schools, they'll fix the kids." So, in Gadsden, Alabama, school officials eliminated kindergarten nap time in 2003 so the children would have more test-prep time. Two hours away in Atlanta, school officials figured that if you eliminated recess, the kids will study more. And just in case those shifty teachers try to sneak it in, Atlanta started building schools without playgrounds. "We are intent on improving academic performance," said the superintendent. "You don't do that by having kids hanging on the monkey bars." Meanwhile, Georgia's governor wanted the state to give Mozart CDs to newborns because research showed Mozart improved babies' IQs (which later proved to be mythical research). Right behind him is Lincoln, Rhode Island, where they canceled the district spelling bee because only one child would win, leaving all others behind, thus violating the intent of No Child Left Behind--or, as they might say in Lincoln, no child gets ahead.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Commentary on education policy, likely from a talk or article
He critiques how officials sacrifice child welfare for test scores, using absurd examples to illustrate misplaced priorities
In simple terms: He mocks policies that replace play with test preparation
Key Takeaway
Prioritize balanced education over test‑driven reforms
Themes
education policy
misguided reform
child welfare
Mood
skeptical
ironic
Type
persuasive
satirical
When to use this quote
- school administration
- parental advocacy
- policy reform
- curriculum design
Key Concepts
testing pressure
play deprivation
policy absurdities
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence supports the claim?
- How can play be integrated without harming test scores?
A Different Perspective
May exaggerate for effect, not all examples are factual
