PYP: A vote for homogeneity

I was quite disappointed to read of the Coeur d’Alene school board’s decision to shut down PYP. In eliminating this program, this apparently single-minded board has taken another step toward homogenizing and marginalizing its product.

What prompted me to respond in writing, however, was not the decision itself. I’m confident the board believed they were acting for the good of the community. What I take issue with is both some of the hypocrisy evident in thought process used to reach this decision, and the apparent disregard of firsthand knowledge of parents intimately involved with PYP.

First; the board’s oft-stated concern that programs like IB and PYP put the schools and the state in the position of teaching values. This can only be an issue if the school institutes (or eliminates) a program for the PURPOSE of effecting a change in values. Giving students options (like PYP or IB) argues AGAINST the notion schools are trying to force-feed values. Eliminating programs with a “global” orientation, simply because of the global orientation, is akin to forcing the values of isolationism (or at least North Idaho) on the students.

Second; the patronizing of the pro-PYP parents. Trustee Purtee provided a telling example of this in his statement that he would not be willing to “relent to the invasion of parental rights and responsibilities” as he implies has been done by the pro-PYP parents. This is both ridiculous and tremendously insulting.

It is safe to say that parents engaged enough to enroll their children in forward-thinking programs like PYP are likely ahead of the “parent-responsibility” curve. The board would be well advised (as suggested by Superintendent Bauman) to pay attention to all the parents/families they represent. Some very capable and educated citizens are paying close attention to their actions. Should the board continue to restrict the educational menu only to programs they value, these parents are smart enough and “responsible” enough to send their children elsewhere.

ERIC HEIDENREICH

Coeur d’Alene