At a time when Mitt Romney is threatening to remove federal funding from PBS, please watch what Mr. Rogers said to Congress in 1969 when President Nixon wanted to cut funding to PBS. Senator Pastore got “goose bumps” when he listened. I got tears in my eyes. Please watch.
It reminds you of when we thought about children’s feelings, not their test scores. It reminds you of a man who was gentle and kind. Remember that?
Diane Ravitch's blog 
“A neighborhood expression of care” is what you have created Diane. Mr. Rodgers would be proud of all your efforts to keep this world a kind and gentle place. Thank you for all you do.
What a great way for me to start my day. Today I will be forced to implement the Louisiana Teacher Evaluation. As I observe my teachers I will keep those thoughtful words in mind. That “expression of care” is what I see everyday at my high poverty school. Thank you Diane, for giving us a community of care in which we can continue to do what we can for children. In a national environment that disrespects teachers, it is so critical that we have a place to come to for encouragement. I need that ” good feeling of control” that Mr. Rogers describes in his song.
I have to believe if Mr. Rogers were in charge of education, Race To The Top would work like this:
“There was a story going around about the Special Olympics. For the hundred-yard dash, there were nine contestants, all of them so-called physically or mentally disabled. All nine of them assembled at the starting line and, at the sound of the gun, they took off. But one little boy didn’t get very far. He stumbled and fell and hurt his knee and began to cry. The other eight children heard the boy crying. They slowed down, turned around, and ran back to him–every one of them ran back to him. The little boy got up, and he and the rest of the runners linked their arms together and joyfully walked to the finish line. They all finished the race at the same time. and when they did, everyone in the stadium stood up and clapped and whistled and cheered for a long, long time. And you know why? Because deep down we know that what matters in this life is more than winning for ourselves. What really matters is helping others win, too, even if it means slowing down and changing our course now and then.”
― Fred Rogers
When I first started teaching, students used to ask me if I was married to Mr. Rogers. Now they don’t know who he is. Recently my grown children, for fun, made up lists of their all-time 100 favorite TV shows –and of the many, many shows that they considered, Mr. Rogers Neighborhood made the list.
Wouldn’t it be great if at teachers inservice days we discussed creating a caring environment for children rather than having training on how to use Pearson products to make sure that children are “racing to the top.”
Well stated! Here here!
AWESOME!
Reblogged this on Transparent Christina.
Tears in your eyes? I downright bawled. I think every teacher needs a Kindergarten experience to put everything into perspective. No other teacher’s wisdom can compare with that of a five year-old’s if you want to learn what’s truly important in life. Mr. Fred Rogers had an extraordinary gift to never forget how the world looks to young children and how this world continues to exist for all people, regardless of age.