When Turks ask me about the differences between America and Turkey - and assume America is such a better place - I generalize with the statement that America has more regulations. So, we have perfect sidewalks that are unbroken and the same width - shoveled within 24 hours of a snowstorm or somebody is getting fined or sued. Turkey you walk at your own risk.
In the schools - or at least in my two school experiences here - I found the first to stress image: the way we dressed, our ceremonies, having a native speaker, following ministry rules - over need. At my new school - image is disturbingly low on the list. Rules on the other hand, are very high.
In Turkey you must have a "duty" teacher overseeing the children. For some reason our school has been pretty lax on the rules, maybe because there are little consequences. Our principal has touted safety first, but sent mixed messages like a crazed woman by holding 8am meetings with the entire staff leaving the hallways and classrooms unattended. One morning, our principal kicked my students out of my room because I wasn't there. (It was passing time and I had gone to the bathroom).
The latest craze is:
No children shall be left unattended, ANYWHERE, EVER.
My principal was on me about that today because I had gone to the office to collect five iPads for my lesson during passing. I guess I was supposed to send everyone out of my room while I did that. I'm still not sure - it's a new rule. I have so many follow up questions and comments on this topic - if we are being technical - bathrooms? nurse pass? walking from the buses? school gates? Maybe it's time to build some cattle chutes...
I was also scolded for having my school badge in my hand, along with five iPads, rather than around my neck.
Americans LOVE rules. We are serving our fear of what ifs, and our belief that we can control outcomes - and living under the stress of the reality that we cannot. And the children, what are they learning from all of this?
I don't want to be negative. I am thinking long term, and how to affect change - but the now is pretty discouraging.
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