Wilbur Wright elementary teacher Mary Jane Dye is speaking out about a class assignment that drew statewide attention to the New Castle elementary school.
Earlier this month, Dye’s students wrote letters to their state representatives concerning currently political events regarding education reform in Indiana. The letters that Dye’s students wrote to the statehouse began to hit the media circuit Tuesday, beginning with the appearance of a politically charged editorial that appeared in EAGnews questioning Dye’s methods and motives, and parroted by Indy Star. Several news personalities accused Dye of unduly influencing her students’ perspectives and opinions. Dye and the New Castle Community School Corporation have remained silent on the issue until now.
“I did not comment as I felt there was no story,” Dye said. “It was a class project.”
Dye teaches fifth and sixth grade students in the FOCUS class at Wilbur Wright Elementary School.
The students in Dye’s class have been selected from among New Castle’s elementary schools specifically because of their quick mastery of reading, extensive vocabulary, and use of critical thinking to solve complex problems.
According to the school corporation’s website, the FOCUS program is designed around “fostering learning and development through academic opportunities adapted to the needs of students advanced well beyond their age peers.”
“Sometimes, everything comes together to make for a wonderful learning experience. The week of February 2 was one of those times, “ Dye said.
“Our class studies current events each week and we are currently in a simulation studying the roots of democracy in Ancient Greece. The subject of education reform in Indiana has come up occasionally as it has been a lead story for many news anchors,” Dye stated.
“This week, our class decided to write on an issue they would like to see changed in education,” Dye said. “Students do take the upcoming ISTEP test, so they are aware of some of the issues.”
“I asked students to list what they knew, and I wrote their thoughts on the board,” Dye stated. “I did not make comments, but did try to point out that they would need to research each point as some were not exactly accurate.”
The New Castle teacher said that after the brainstorming session, her students used the internet at school and at home to research their topics and plan their essays.
“One of my students suggested we turn these essays into letters instead and actually send them to our state representatives,” Dye said, “As this made sense in giving the lesson a more authentic purpose, I scanned and emailed them to the representatives, the State Board of Education, and Superintendent Glenda Ritz.”
Dye described her students as “very excited” and “passionate” about the project. Dye stated that she was excited to have the assignment “bring them to a new level of ownership and understanding about how the democratic process works.”
“They wrote what they believed based on the research they did,” Dye stated. “They did what many of us as adults (myself included) may think of doing, but never follow through with.”
Dye acknowledged that she has received criticism from around the state since the letters were released to the public.
“We talk and teach about how great our democratic system is, and that everybody has a say. Does that mean only adults? Does that mean only if those speaking share the same opinion as our leaders?” Dye asked.
Dye stated, “My students didn’t slander anybody, they merely expressed their opinions based on what they know, what they feel, and what they found in their research.”
Dye continued, “While I may have been naive to think that my students’ letters and own words would be read in the spirit they were sent, I still believe this was a meaningful lesson for my students as they took ownership and were more fully engaged in their learning.”
“My students have incredible minds. I do not coach them in what to believe, only in how to make responsible decisions,” Dye stated. “I have encouraged them to think for themselves and express their thoughts thoughtfully and respectfully.”
Dye ended her statement with optimism.
“I hope that each of them grows up to question things they disagree with....either so they better understand issues or so that they can work to change things for the better,” Dye said. “THAT is true democracy in practice.”
Wilbur Wright students will begin the ISTEP assessment Monday.