If you’ve been shocked at how some younger employees seem not to know how to behave in the workplace or with coworkers, you might be heartened to hear that a school in New York has cancelled its annual talent show in order to prepare students for careers and the workplace.
 |
The purpose of the cancellation? The Washington Post reports on a letter from the principal to parents explaining the rationale for the cancellation: “We are responsible for preparing children for college and careers with valuable lifelong skills and know that we can best do that by having them become strong readers, writers, coworkers, and problem solvers.
“Please do not fault us for making professional decisions that we know will never be able to please everyone. But know that we are making these decisions with the interests of all children in mind.”
By the way, the children being prepared to be strong coworkers in successful careers are—in kindergarten!
They are 5 and 6 years old and attend school for half-days in a K-2 elementary school.
A parent has begun a petition to the Board of Education, indicating that the talent show is a tradition and a good family event that helps children improve public speaking skills and feel a sense of accomplishment. Other parents told media that the show helps develop teamwork and social interaction.
The petition quotes a concerned teacher saying, “College and career readiness must include knowing how to appreciate having some fun.”
I think that’s a little overboard – nothing is wrong with a talent show in the younger grades. Preparation for college and career readiness can wait a few years.