Taking Children Out Of School For Disney Trip

[bicker]

You're stating that it's not in society's best interest to only see one perspective in a situation.

Actually, I didn't say that (though it sure would be easier to argue against, eh? ). What I said was that viewing one's own perspective as the only possible rational perspective results in overall lack of understanding, and invariably leads to conflict and turmoil in society. It's surely okay for everyone to agree. What isn't okay is to assume that when people don't agree that any perspective other than your own is invariably "wrong".

 

[boomhauer]

Actually, I didn't say that (though it sure would be easier to argue against, eh? ). What I said was that viewing one's own perspective as the only possible rational perspective results in overall lack of understanding, and invariably leads to conflict and turmoil in society. It's surely okay for everyone to agree. What isn't okay is to assume that when people don't agree that any perspective other than your own is invariably "wrong".

How is viewing one's own perspective as the only possible rationale perspective any different than saying it's not in society's best interest to only see one perspective in a situation?

In any event, I don't agree with this either:

What isn't okay is to assume that when people don't agree that any perspective other than your own is invariably "wrong".

There are those who feel as though murder is justifiable or stealing is justifiable. How can anyone say those aren't "wrong"?

 

[bicker]

How is viewing one's own perspective as the only possible rationale perspective any different than saying it's not in society's best interest to only see one perspective in a situation?

In the former case, the one perspective is self-determined. In the latter case, the one perspective is determined by society.

In any event, I don't agree with this either:

Yeah, I get that. You're entitled to your opinion, as am I, which was my point.

There are those who feel as though murder is justifiable or stealing is justifiable. How can anyone say those aren't "wrong"?

Where there is consensus about these definitions, an effective single perspective prevails -- effectively we have the latter case in the dichotomy mentioned above. Where we have different opinions, then we don't have a stable situation, as is the case with the conflicts we have in our society and the world.

 

[boomhauer]

Where there is consensus about these definitions, an effective single perspective prevails -- effectively we have the latter case in the dichotomy mentioned above. Where we have different opinions, then we don't have a stable situation, as is the case with the conflicts we have in our society and the world.

Meaning what?

Simple question - No need for big words and in-depth analysis.

If someone feels that it is wrong to commit murder and refuses to see any other perspective, do you believe they are wrong?

 

[bicker]

I'm sorry, but I don't reply to interrogations where the iterrogator determines the question and the allowable answers. Please play nice.

 

[boomhauer]

I'm playing nice. Sorry - I think some of your responses simply come off in a manner that you're trying to show people up simply by using big words and what you would consider, deep analytical answers.

I think people that try and make other people look bad by showing off their "superior knowledge" in any discussion they engage in, need to be brought back down to earth now and again.

I'm not a professor at Harvard - But I don't make license plates for the state either.

Moderators - Do your thing. I've said my peace.

 

[bicker]

Let's take it to PM so we're not disturbing other members.

 

[loriandmatt]

Wow - from knowing the past static this topic has gotten, you should get ready for some very strong opinions - on both sides of this topic.

I have taken my son out of school and all was well. we will likely curb that though as he is getting older (in 5th grade presently) and the work he as to make up is getting to me too much.

a few days here and there is (in my opinion) not a major biggie though.

as far as the educational things they can learn at WDW....i think your first reply was a great one (EWooWDW) the concept of epcot, the history of WDW and his successful business plan, the charitable workings of the WD company, the science/history behind so many of the attractions in epcot (my son took away so much from Spaceship Earth about the history and evolution of communications. and he did this at age 5.) the ecology/conservation messages thru the AK park, American history at the Hall of Presidents and the American Adventure......

yes, all of these things can be learned in a classroom, but they are reinforced when you actually immerse your self in them and they are made interesting.

your kids (or relatives kids) will take away more of the things to be learned if you casually discuss the educational properties of the attraction you just enjoyed rather than just bust off to the next thing on the map. My nieces truely learned so much from the Carosel of Progress. they had no idea that things were any different than they were in their own homes, until seeing that and us chatting about how things were when gramma was growing up. They ran home to ask her about pumping water from the well by hand and "didn't you ever trip or catch your hat on all those extention cords?"

have a great trip

- lori

 

[Buckalew11]

I'm taking DD (6th grade) out for a week next week. Last year was the first school year I didn't take her out to go to WDW. DH is running the marathon so there wasn't as much of a choice.

As long as she does well in school & can keep up, I don't have a problem with it. She isn't in public school so no one is really telling me she *can't* go.

I think WDW can be educational but I rmember my parents having to do the same thing when I was in 8th grade back in the late 70s. I thought my dad was going to have a fit about the whole "write us and tell us why we should allow her to go" thing. But... we survived.


I haven't read this whole thread but I did see the last couple responses and I think Bicker just talks that way. Very smart and deep thinker, so unlike myself. I believe I even read his name in a book once (no joke!). Well, carry on, just wanted to add my .02.

 

[Mom to 2]

I take my kids out for 10 days every 2 years and dont think twice about it.

Lory

 

[bicker]

I think that's a really good point, lori: In order for the WDW experience to be maximally educational, it typically requires work on the part of both parent and student.

 

[loriandmatt]

well - i wasn't trying to be that heavy about it, but since i came off sounding like i know my head from a hole in my rear....cool.

- lori

 

[PaulaSue]

Good Luck!

I just got my DD's back today, accepted.

 

[snowy76]

And there is also the Fed. funding.

Unfortunately many schools live or die by federal funding, which is tied directly to attendance. For example, the school I work in has over 95% of its students receiving free or reduced lunch. Most of the parents are not property owners so we have a shortage of local funding.

The free lunch level allows us federal funding to make up for what we don't have from the local tax levy. But we have to prove the children attended daily to get the full amount we're eligible for, so we lose thousands of dollars each week for students who do not attend. It doesn't sound like a big deal since the kids are not in school to receive the learning, but that money has already been budgeted for the staff and the materials which ARE in school. We can't pay for that stuff after the fact. So the administrators feel the pressure, which is passed onto teachers and parents.

That all being said, the majority of adults working at my school would welcome seeing more of their students doing some significant family together time and not have to question it. We seem to have so many kids being raised by their TV and PS2, that when a child tells me they're taking a big family vacation, I am thrilled for them. So to anyone wondering whether to take the time from school to go to WDW...
You've got this teacher's support!

 

[boomhauer]

Snowy76 - I LOVED your post.

It's nice to see that a teacher truly understands where some of us are coming from. I totally understand the whole funding issue. I think it's a crying shame, but it is what it is.

Sadly, the principal and teachers at my step-son's school think it's an abomination for a child to miss school for vacation. We seem to be in a similiar school enviroment. My step-son's school is home to over 75% living at or below poverty. Fortunately, my wife and I are not in that situation, but this is also why we have to deal with the strict attendance policy.

 

[beccawes7471]

We are taking ds out of school next week. He is only in kindergarten, but I imagine we will continue to do so until it becomes a big problem. We are in a similar boat as a few others, both dh and I "bid" on vacation based on seniority. Also, neither of us is allowed time off between thanksgiving and new years, he with a well known courrier company and I'm an RN, hospitals unfortunately, never close. The last eight summers, dh has not been approved for any time off between may and the end of august, ten years isn't alot of seniority when everyone else has 30. We have always taken our vacations in January and October. I get a little steamed even thinking about needing to justify it as an educational experience. It doesn't need to be educational, it is family time. travel in and of itself is educational, however, I know that my dh will have an absolute coronary if a school district asked us to do that. We have thought of moving to a district in our area that is year round. that would afford us much more vacation flexibility. maybe we will consider it a bit more, i had no idea that some districts were so strict. Our teacher and principal were asbolutely fine with the plan, principal even joked that we had to take him along...must be a fan