Lately everybody I know who is not in education has been gushing about "waiting for Superman," which for my own part I find to be rather fact-challenged. But it got me wondering what my students and I would ask, if Superman gave us a chance to bend his ear directly.
One. What passes for food in the free or reduced-price lunch program is still disgusting. Would Superman please have a stern chat with the Department of Agriculture about this?
Two. Poverty is still a big problem with too many ripple effects. Students fall asleep in class because there's too much noise in their buildings at night. Could Superman please ask the neighbors to keep it down so our students can be awake during the school day to learn?
Three. The other day, a student wasn't ready for the quiz because, quote, "My best friend got shot to death last night." If Superman could please press "undo" on this -- or if he could refer us to someone with a working time machine -- I would be personally very appreciative.
Four. On the days when I tutor during lunch, I always have to bring twice as much food as I would normally eat on any given school day. That's because a hungry student can't focus on math concepts, and my lunch is actually edible. Please see item 'one' above.