From my observation, there is, at present, much too much emphasis on testing in the public schools. In Washington state, the WASL is the one main test that acts as the 'proof of the pudding' that a child is educated and a school is doing its job.   The result is too much emphasis being placed on 'performance' and 'skill' and teachers feeling that they must 'teach to the test'.

I think most of us would agree that our planet is currently in crisis and our children's future uncertain. Not enough is being done, it seems, in the area of 'environmental education', as it seems, to some at least, to have a 'bias'. This view needs changing. We're all in this together.  We need to continue a focus on building knowledge and skill in areas that will create students that can perform well in whatever the future holds.  But we also need to create student 'activists', who feel passionate about being 'environmental stewards', willing to use their skill and knowledge to create a truly sustainable world and effective democracy, students who feel 'the time is NOW', because we may not have much time.

How can we achieve this change in focus?  I believe that a strong cadre of volunteers, .i.e. retired school employees, who have the time and 'expertise' can be very effective in bringing this about.  Already in the Seattle Public Schools, there are schools that are forming 'Environmental Stewardship Committees' consisting of interested parents and teachers who want their schools to be more 'green'.  This is an ideal place, I think, for retired school employees to volunteer their time doing whatever is needed to h elp make these committees more effective.  But certainly, we can do more.  EVERY school needs such committees, which will provide an impetus in building a sustainable and democratic vision.  By joining forces and working together as a cadre, we retired school employees can be more strategic in our efforts - find the places where we can be of most use and ways that we can be the most effective.

At present, I know of no one who is trying to do this work, and I welcome hearing from anyone who is interested in developing this vision.