When we discussed the article written by Nel Noddings the consensus was that her approach to caring was impractical. We are paid to meet standards, and there is little time for care. I read an article in The Magazine of Charlotte Latin School about relationships that made me think that we have to make time for caring. Charlotte Latin School is an elite prep school in Charlotte. The article states that educators have noticed a lack of awareness of the feelings of thers in the elementary schools. As a result, they are experiencing relational aggression among the students. This is a term used to describe behavior that damages or manipulates relationships. It may include, bullying, giving the silent treatment or spreading gossip about another student.
The Lower School faculty at Charlotte Latin have established a task force to raise the awareness of this problem with the teacher and the students. The lower school faculty will all read a book by Stan Davis titled Schools Where Everyone Belongs. If an elementary school of affluent children are now having to be taught to have empathy for others, what is going on with the general population?
Nel Noddings argued that the job of the schools is primarily to care for students. The aim is to produce caring, competent people. If we can not work together in society, what good is our higher math and science scores? Perhaps we need to make time for caring.
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