Lyndon B. Johnson (1965) Commencement Address at Howard University stated:
The family is the cornerstone of our society. More than any other force it shapes the attitude, the hopes, the ambitions, and the values of the child. And when the family collapses it is the children that are usually damaged. When it happens on a massive scale the community itself is crippled.
So, unless we work to strengthen the family, to create conditions under which most parents will stay together, all the rest—schools, and playgrounds, and public assistance, and private concern—will never be enough to cut completely the circle of despair and deprivation (Johnson, 1965).
Johnson, Lyndon B. (1965, June 4). [Commencement Exercise]. Speech presented at Howard University. [Transcript]. Retrieved September 30, 2010 from http://us.history.wisc.edu/hist102/pdocs/johnson_commencement.pdf
Louise Derman-Sparks, Professor Emeritus of Pacific Oak College in California stated that the success of the at-risk children “had nothing to do with their innate ability, but they needed the tools to know how to survive and thrive in the public school system” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010). The passion for early childhood [multimedia presentation]. Retrieved September 30, 2010 from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=4465394&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=4994376&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1
Carmen,
ReplyDeleteTo think, Lyndon B. Johnson, understood the need to support famiies as a means of creating a better society way back in 1965. Hard to believe that we are still advocating for the same thing so many years later.
Sondi
Yes, so the need to support these families has not ceased but has increased. We as educators have a great job. I have learned over the years that when children act out, the only way to help the child is to get to the root of the problem. The root I believe begins with the family. If we do not help the family then in some ways I believe that we will fail to help the child.
ReplyDeleteCarmen,
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965 was stressing the importance of family and how still today educators are doing the same. I agree with you that the root begins with the family, educating the family is very important and will be benefical in the long run.
Carmen,
ReplyDeleteI like how Lyndon B. Johnson used his own upbring to influnce his passion. I love the passage that you used. It really speaks what his true passion was about. Thanks for sharing.
I think that many people do not give President Lyndon Johnson credit for being a good president. I feel that Lyndon Johnson says it best that family is the cornerstone and that we need to work together as a family to strengthen strong marriages and the importance of the family influence to do well.
ReplyDeleteCarmen,
ReplyDeleteYour quote from Lyndon B. Johnson, was a clear indication of not only how much progress has been made in the field of Early Childhood, but the amount of work that still needs to be done. I wanted to thank you for posting it as a reminder to us all. As the quote was meant to be symbolic of your professional beliefs and a means of inspiration, I have no doubt you will continue to advocate for the rights and needs of families. Good luck in your future courses.
Sondi