Sign this petition.
http://www.righttolearn.ca/#
_____________________
I wrote this to the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada:
Hey there!
My name is Linda Brown and I attend the Brother T.I Murphy Centre in St. John's, Newfoundland. It is an alternative learning facility for people who want a high school diploma. It offers regular high school courses (academic & general), and Adult Basic Education (academic & general). I am a participant at the Murphy Centre and I have been involved in Action Research with a team of facilitators, participants, and our principle researcher Dr. Morgan Gardner from Memorial University. Recently I have been working on various projects relating to youth advocacy in education, and youth as change makers. Our team has been investigating changes in our facility, and I myself have been involved in a rigorous interview process by which I have individually spoke to several members of the staff in hopes of bringing some new light and ideas to our findings. Throughout my research, it came to my attention that the Murphy Centre is facing a big challenge in regards intake periods. There is a growing number of people that the Murphy Centre has to turn down each intake period because the people coming to them have severe learning or cognitive difficulties. Stories I have heard from staff members include people being in their mid-twenties who are too old to be accepted into a high school, who are being turned away because the Murphy Centre does not have the correct modified program to offer to those who need it. From what I've heard (and experienced in my high school years) in most high schools there is a (I'm not sure if this is still the correct term) Pathway 3 or Pathway 4 learning centre where people with special needs can get the support they need. The Murphy Centre is facing a rising number of people who would benefit greatly from a program like the ones in high schools, except it's in need for adults! Now, I know this sounds absurd and I cannot possibly understand how it can be, but when these people are turned down by the Murphy Centre they then ask, "Well where do I go next?", and the people at the Murphy Centre have to tell them that this is the end of the line- there isn't anywhere else here you can go. Is this really true?! If it is, we need help! The student drop out rate is at an ultimate high in Newfoundland, 500-600 students a year. The Murphy Centre can only accommodate between 80-100 a year! And even if the facility had the space of proper funding to grow, only a percentage of the students would actually benefit from it because, even though we are an alternative facility, we do not have an alternative curriculum!
Help is needed in Newfoundland!
Sincerely,
Linda Brown
___________________________________
29.4.08
Monday, April 21st.
12-1: Interviewed Trudy
3-4: Typed up report
(2 hours)
Tuesday, April 22nd.
12-12:45 Interviewed Bren
1:30-2:55 Interviewed Jeff
5:2o-6:10 Typed up Bren's report
6:10-7:50Typed up Jeff's report
(4.7 hours)
Thursday, April 24th
12:30pm-1:00pm Interviewed Lloyd
1:30pm-3:00pm Interviewed Ron
(2 hours)
Sunday April 27th
1:00pm-2:30pm Typed up Ron's report
(1.5 hours)
Tuesday, April 19th
12:10pm- 2:20pm- Alternative Curriculum Research
(2 hours 10 minutes)
12-1: Interviewed Trudy
3-4: Typed up report
(2 hours)
Tuesday, April 22nd.
12-12:45 Interviewed Bren
1:30-2:55 Interviewed Jeff
5:2o-6:10 Typed up Bren's report
6:10-7:50Typed up Jeff's report
(4.7 hours)
Thursday, April 24th
12:30pm-1:00pm Interviewed Lloyd
1:30pm-3:00pm Interviewed Ron
(2 hours)
Sunday April 27th
1:00pm-2:30pm Typed up Ron's report
(1.5 hours)
Tuesday, April 19th
12:10pm- 2:20pm- Alternative Curriculum Research
(2 hours 10 minutes)
Left Brain Right Brain
How can someone, me, who is exceptionally analytical be in touch with their creativity? How can someone like me who is innate to logic and reason learn to simply just love? It's like a huge contradiction....
Facilitator Interview # 4- Part two- RON
An email between Ron and I after he went through the list of ideas that was compiled on to our wheel.
On Sun, 27 Apr 2008 13:03:58 -0230, Linda Brown wrote...
1. How do you feel you can facilitate these changes?
2. What changes would you like to see? (Changes, improvements, enhancements, etc)
3. What would you like to see if ANYTHING was possible?
4.Do you disagree with anything (policies, rules, ways of doing things) at the Murphy Center?
5. Is voice- your personal voice, student voice, etc- important to you?
6. How do you feel about participants having a voice?
7. In what ways do you feel you assist youth in sharing their voice? In what ways would you like to help youth have more voice?
8. What obstacles do you see in regards to our discussion, and what solutions are there for those obstacles?
Okay Linda, I wll go down the list of questions you have a answer them as best I can!
1. I love the suggestions and I will support as always where ever and whenever I can.
2. Change I would like to see are as follows:
- Exercise opportunites for young people and staff at least twice a week.
- More open forum sessions to connect to Center philosophy
- More attention to drug problems as in prevention of drugs on property and assistance with addictions
- More opportunities for outdoor adventure experiences
- Greater accountability and follow through regarding absenteeism
3. A group of students travel the world in a large sailing ship whereby they go to school part of the day and the rest of the time they work and explore the whole world....drug free and high on life! and me on board obviously!!!
4 Yes, I agree with plenty of things because we are obviously doing some things well such as creating a relaxed atmosphere, mutual respect philosophy, commitment to helping young people reach their goals, providing a safe environment and atmosphere for learning etc.
5. Yes, hence my comment about the open forum...best opportunity for that to come out...it was a big part of this place when I first came here and I loved it...for some reason we moved away from it.
6. I love it...it always works for me even if I don't personally agree with some aspet of it...that's democracy in it's truest form!
7. By being an open presence and helping to create a space where that is encouraged to blossom!
8. Basically the same old ones...time, money. I do think these can be overcome with creative energies working together...
and ....thank you for doing this...it was such a pleasure sitting a chatting with you...all the best Linda!Organizing my thoughts
I'm still in the process of writing up the report on my interview with Lloyd. He brought a lot of great things to the table. In the meantime I am having some personal issues that I feel the need to talk about. I'm fighting some hardcore inner demons right now and it could just be this crap weather getting me down but for now I'll just have to deal with it until another sunny day.
I don't know what I want to do with school. I don't know if I want to go to MUN or if it's just all these positive affirmations pushing me along until finally I need to want it for myself. There is so much pressure on me. I know everyone wants me to go to MUN, but do I want to go? I'm not saying I don't, I'm just saying I don't know if I want to do it for myself. I'm hoping this summer I can do some solo traveling to try to figure out exactly what it is that I want for me. I would like to go to a different school- somewhere outside of the province so I could experience a new place as well as do some schooling. I would like a school that's a bit smaller too. From my experience I work more successfully in smaller facilities, however, I've changed a lot since I was in a big facility (at the time, high school was big), so maybe I would do good in a big place. I know I have the brains to do whatever it is that i want to do- but WHAT I want to do is the question. I chose biology because I am doing really good at it.. Getting good grades makes me feel good. BUt do I want to do biology? What is my heart telling me? I want to teach! I know that! I want to change things! I know that! ...
I posted this on my facebook about a week ago.
"MUN or CONA....
MUN or CONA....
???????????????
Mun has lots of great things.... Cona is more affordable....
Mun has a gym with a pool..... Cona has programs that will offer me quick reward.
Mun will be a lot more work.... But in the end it will be more satisfactory...
But Cona would allow me time to travel and see the world....
But Mun has a great reputation...
Cona will allow me to get a well-paying job within the next 3-4 years..
Mun will take longer.... But there's such a diverse culture at Mun....
What do I cherish more?
Making a difference in the world... Or developing myself spiritually and artistically.
Spending my time helping others... Or devoting my time to myself and my family.
Working hard for a long time for a big goal....
Working hard every day for instant gratification...
I DON'T KNOW AHHHHH.
I don't want to be in debt, I'm already living on my own and paying bills and all that... Just to add a STUDENT LOAN on top of that!? If I go to Cona it's feasible that I could save up the money this summer.... Cona is smaller, and I work better in smaller, more hands-on environments... I could always go to Cona and do a course that allows me to transfer my credits if I desire so...
I'm so torn. I don't know what to do..
Then there's the whole other idea of perhaps applying somewhere OUTSIDE of the city... Being able to go to school while I travel and see a new place.. That sounds too ideal.. I
Any advice is welcomed....
*sigh*
-Overwhelmed Linda"
I got some really nice replies:
"Linda - I sympathize with your dilemma. But it's wonderful that you're keeping school as a priority in your life. I'm very proud of you.
The big question is what are you interested in? What courses do you want to study? What is your passion? It's ok if you don't know yet, but you may have a general idea.
One thing is for sure, you'll do better and spend more time on your studies if it is something that you enjoy and something that challenges you. Don't go for something because you think it might be easier than something else you're really interested in. I should know because that's the mistake I made.
Also, if you put the practical questions out of your mind - like money, length of time to get a degree, etc - what does your heart tell you?
I hope this helps a bit.
Love, Aunt Robin"
and
"Dear Linda,
Just read your thoughts re your future. For most, at your age, this is quite the dilemma. Many cannot pursue what they'd really like to do for many reasons - financial mainly.
You've expressed a interest in biology in the past. You've been involved with the business world, particularly the restaurant business. There are many courses available both at CONA and MUN. Like Aunt Robin, I feel that your path should follow where your interests lie. Sometimes it's hard to figure that out.
You have a very supportive, loving family who will be there to help you. But it is up to you to make the decision. The decision you make now and go through with, won't necessarily be what you end up doing but it'll contribute to expanding your world and getting you to the place you should be. I know that you are a very sensitive, caring young lady and you will succeed in whatever path you choose.
God bless you,
Love
Nanny"
and
"Hi Linda,
Uncle Mike and myself found that it's hard to decide at 19 what you really want to do the rest of your life. Don't feel bad if you decide something and it doesn't work out or you change your mind. But you will be gaining experience whatever you do.
Uncle Mike is one of the smartest (and stubbornest (sp?)) guy I know and he didn't finish his degree. He is going to finish it correspondence because he wants to further advance in Management within our institution. There is always time to get more education no matter what your age.
You will make the right decision.
Love you"
I need to choose what I want for me, what I love.. But I feel as if in order to actually know what i want I need to spend some time alone, away from here, without any influences except my own.
Perhaps I can get that out of my system this summer. Maybe not though. But everyone is so excited.
The pressure is on.
I don't know what I want to do with school. I don't know if I want to go to MUN or if it's just all these positive affirmations pushing me along until finally I need to want it for myself. There is so much pressure on me. I know everyone wants me to go to MUN, but do I want to go? I'm not saying I don't, I'm just saying I don't know if I want to do it for myself. I'm hoping this summer I can do some solo traveling to try to figure out exactly what it is that I want for me. I would like to go to a different school- somewhere outside of the province so I could experience a new place as well as do some schooling. I would like a school that's a bit smaller too. From my experience I work more successfully in smaller facilities, however, I've changed a lot since I was in a big facility (at the time, high school was big), so maybe I would do good in a big place. I know I have the brains to do whatever it is that i want to do- but WHAT I want to do is the question. I chose biology because I am doing really good at it.. Getting good grades makes me feel good. BUt do I want to do biology? What is my heart telling me? I want to teach! I know that! I want to change things! I know that! ...
I posted this on my facebook about a week ago.
"MUN or CONA....
MUN or CONA....
???????????????
Mun has lots of great things.... Cona is more affordable....
Mun has a gym with a pool..... Cona has programs that will offer me quick reward.
Mun will be a lot more work.... But in the end it will be more satisfactory...
But Cona would allow me time to travel and see the world....
But Mun has a great reputation...
Cona will allow me to get a well-paying job within the next 3-4 years..
Mun will take longer.... But there's such a diverse culture at Mun....
What do I cherish more?
Making a difference in the world... Or developing myself spiritually and artistically.
Spending my time helping others... Or devoting my time to myself and my family.
Working hard for a long time for a big goal....
Working hard every day for instant gratification...
I DON'T KNOW AHHHHH.
I don't want to be in debt, I'm already living on my own and paying bills and all that... Just to add a STUDENT LOAN on top of that!? If I go to Cona it's feasible that I could save up the money this summer.... Cona is smaller, and I work better in smaller, more hands-on environments... I could always go to Cona and do a course that allows me to transfer my credits if I desire so...
I'm so torn. I don't know what to do..
Then there's the whole other idea of perhaps applying somewhere OUTSIDE of the city... Being able to go to school while I travel and see a new place.. That sounds too ideal.. I
Any advice is welcomed....
*sigh*
-Overwhelmed Linda"
I got some really nice replies:
"Linda - I sympathize with your dilemma. But it's wonderful that you're keeping school as a priority in your life. I'm very proud of you.
The big question is what are you interested in? What courses do you want to study? What is your passion? It's ok if you don't know yet, but you may have a general idea.
One thing is for sure, you'll do better and spend more time on your studies if it is something that you enjoy and something that challenges you. Don't go for something because you think it might be easier than something else you're really interested in. I should know because that's the mistake I made.
Also, if you put the practical questions out of your mind - like money, length of time to get a degree, etc - what does your heart tell you?
I hope this helps a bit.
Love, Aunt Robin"
and
"Dear Linda,
Just read your thoughts re your future. For most, at your age, this is quite the dilemma. Many cannot pursue what they'd really like to do for many reasons - financial mainly.
You've expressed a interest in biology in the past. You've been involved with the business world, particularly the restaurant business. There are many courses available both at CONA and MUN. Like Aunt Robin, I feel that your path should follow where your interests lie. Sometimes it's hard to figure that out.
You have a very supportive, loving family who will be there to help you. But it is up to you to make the decision. The decision you make now and go through with, won't necessarily be what you end up doing but it'll contribute to expanding your world and getting you to the place you should be. I know that you are a very sensitive, caring young lady and you will succeed in whatever path you choose.
God bless you,
Love
Nanny"
and
"Hi Linda,
Uncle Mike and myself found that it's hard to decide at 19 what you really want to do the rest of your life. Don't feel bad if you decide something and it doesn't work out or you change your mind. But you will be gaining experience whatever you do.
Uncle Mike is one of the smartest (and stubbornest (sp?)) guy I know and he didn't finish his degree. He is going to finish it correspondence because he wants to further advance in Management within our institution. There is always time to get more education no matter what your age.
You will make the right decision.
Love you"
I need to choose what I want for me, what I love.. But I feel as if in order to actually know what i want I need to spend some time alone, away from here, without any influences except my own.
Perhaps I can get that out of my system this summer. Maybe not though. But everyone is so excited.
The pressure is on.
28.4.08
Rainy Day Blues
I am really not feeling good today. I am sad, foggy, confused, angry and hostile. Rotted at everyone that crosses my path, so watch out.
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