Unfortunately, I concur with the concerns expressed by the Concord teaching staff in their letter describing “extremely unsafe learning and working conditions” (Sunday Monitor front page, Jan. 12). I believe that there certainly is merit to the belief that mental illness, trauma, opioid addiction, etc., contribute to the downhill spiral, but I would urge communities to explore and embrace parenting skills for all parents. The behaviors exhibited in our elementary schools have been deteriorating for far longer than the past decade.
I was trained as a special educator working with students with behavioral disorders 45 years ago and worked in the field for 40 years. The majority of the students presenting with challenges 30 years ago in the state of New Hampshire would not make the cut today.
Behaviors intensify with attention and this is observed in all environments. Schools tend to feed the bear.
Contrary to reports, I’ve seen a decline in early intervention services and supports for parents and educators. Many parents leave hospitals with babies in their arms and no idea of the challenges of the journey that lies ahead of them. Many parents today do not have extended families and friends for support. Parenting is one of the most demanding yet rewarding jobs that we need to teach. Socio-economic factors have no relevance to good parenting.
It is a crisis. School districts must consort with communities (e.g. hospitals, mental health centers and child care providers) to address this epidemic. We are failing our children and we will continue to lose excellent educators.
HOLLY HUXTABLE PATTERSON
Weare