Reply to SSL Requirement - Forced Volunteerism

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Reply to "SSL Requirement - Forced Volunteerism"

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]
Your MOTHER had you do it: fine, great.  I support that 100%!  The issue here is the government forcing children to volunteer as a requirement of graduation.  People, please think about this: the STATE/GOV'T is forcing this on your children.  Whether the work is good or not is IRRELEVANT.  The STATE (through MCPS) should not be able to FORCE children to do this.  Again, it isn't volunteering if you are forced to do it.

It worries me that so many parents on here seem to not be able to distinguish the notion of state coercion.   Frightening in a free society.  [/quote]

The STATE is also FORCING children to be instructed in English, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education. State coercion. Frightening.
[/quote]

Do you really not get how that is different?  I could understand having a different opinion about these things, but do you really not understand this distinction.  I guess I just assume that there are so many well educated people on these boards - and so many lawyers in particular - that some things are just obvious.

If you genuinely don't understand the difference then I completely understand how these issues of fundamental freedoms and the necessary checks on public institutions (the state, public school systems and public officials) would go over your head.  [/quote]

I'm trying to figure out what you see as the difference.

Both SSL and English homework can be completed at school using school equipment, or in the community (you can both do your homework and earn your SSL hours in a public library).

Both SSL and English homework teach important skills that students will need in the workforce down the road, including conducting research, presenting yourself to others, and meeting deadlines.

Neither SSL nor English homework claim to be voluntary or "volunteering".

Both SSL and English essays in particular sometimes ask you to state an opinion.  SSL asks you to find something you believe in (note: by this definition my child "believes in" Moon bounces at homecoming, and that teachers should have chairs to sit on at PD, and that it would be cool to have a volcano in the backdrop of the school play.  These are not particularly controversial or political beliefs, but are all "causes" he has supported during his SSL hours) and support it with your actions.  English Essays ask you to make a thesis statement and support it with evidence from a text.

Some key differences:

You can do English homework at home.  Other than very very limited circumstances you can not do SSL in your own home.

SSL is more fun.

You have to do your English homework on a certain night, whereas you have 7 years to find 75 hours for SSL.

Is one of those things what you were thinking of?[/quote]

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