Troublemakers Canaries in the Mine by Carla Shalaby

This author argues, “Our schools are designed to prepare children to take their assumed place in the social order rather than to question and challenge that order.” That schools are made to keep kids in their place in society, but that’s not really true.

I would argue that schools often help students think for themselves, speak up, and even change the world around them. Schools teach kids to think and question. In many classes, students learn to ask questions, look at different sides of an issue, and think deeply. For example, in my history class, the students discuss different opinions and learn about people who stood up against unfair systems. 

Moreover, education helps people move up in life. Going to school or college gives people the chance to do better than their parents did. Education helps break the cycle of poverty for many families and gives students the tools to reach their goals. 

Students often speak out and take action on social issues. They can organize protests, start clubs, and raise their voices about things they care about. This proves that schools are not just teaching students to follow rules. They are helping them learn how to lead. I know many teachers, and I know that we encourage students to become independent thinkers. We work hard to help students grow, question things, and become confident. They want students to succeed. I agree that some problems still exist in the system. But to argue that schools are only there to keep kids in line misses the bigger picture. Schools are often where change begins, not where it ends.

This author goes on to argue that “our children are learning that only some lives matter, that only some deaths are tragic, that only a precious few deserve relief from the suffering.”

I wholeheartedly disagree with even the notion of this idea. I would argue that most schools are teaching the opposite. They are teaching that everyone is important and deserves care and respect. When I teach about things like racism or unfair treatment in my history class, I’m not saying that one group is better than another. It is to help students understand what is wrong and how to make the world more fair. Learning about injustice helps students care about all people. Furthermore, schools teach students to treat everyone with respect, no matter their background. Teachers use books, activities, and lessons that show how different people matter equally. To argue that schools are not a safe place for kids is not something I agree with. Schools help students who are struggling. They receive food, clothing, counseling, and many other resources. In my school, they have a clinic, and the students visit the dentist and the doctor while they are in the school building. These things show that schools want all kids to feel safe, happy, and supported. Students are encouraged to speak up when something is unfair, not just for themselves, but for anyone who is being treated badly. Schools are not teaching that only some people matter. Most schools are working hard to teach that every person is valuable and deserves kindness and support.  

The author argues that zero tolerance rules in schools are too harsh, but these rules actually help keep schools safe and focused on learning. When students know the rules and see that they are followed fairly, they are less likely to act out. This helps make the classroom a better place for everyone. While Shalaby argues that these rules make students feel like they don’t belong, others believe they help protect students from bullying or dangerous behavior. Instead of getting rid of zero tolerance rules, schools can use them in a kind and fair way, by listening to students and helping them learn from their mistakes while keeping order in the classroom. 

In conclusion, some students may face unfair treatment, and that should be addressed. But it’s not true that schools are designed to mistreat kids or blame them for it. Most educators are doing their best to help all students grow, feel valued, and be treated with respect.