10.18.06
Are we still talking about chess?
More schoolhouse drama! Last weekend our daughter brought home a note from school. There was a meeting planned on Monday to discuss “the recent problems with the projects.” A puzzling note. Heidi inquired around Monday morning. One mom said, “It’s about chess. We have to be united.”
In Italy, 27 hours of the school week are devoted to the main subjects (reading, math, etc.). Three hours are devoted to “projects” – special things like music, art, and (for the first time this year), chess. However, each project much be approved by all of the parents – 100% approval – in order to pass. The vote for chess was 18 parents in favor, 4 opposed.
So the teacher brought us all together to work out our differences. She had heard that there are parents that are mad at each other, and wanted to fare la pace. She claimed that she had no agenda and didn’t care one way or the other if chess passed or not (though her glowing reviews of the benefits of chess helped me to see where she really stood). She then turned the discussion over to us.
And that’s when the yelling began. Those in favor of chess were upset that a small minority could overrule the wishes of the majority. However, the law says (there are laws for such things?!) it must be 100% or nothing. We all agreed that this law should be changed, but there’s nothing we can do about it now. Those opposed to chess were upset because if they vote “no” we’re just going to call a meeting and try and get them to change their minds anyway. Phrases like “false democracy” were used.
Both sides had valid points. But I could not for the life of me figure out why everyone was so angry! I think I’m a pretty involved parent, but I really just don’t care very much if chess passes or fails. And perhaps the most unsatisfying part of the whole meeting – we couldn’t revote. The votes must be secret and there was no way to assure that secrecy in the meeting. So if anyone wanted to change their vote, they couldn’t unless they spoke privately with the teacher later. Such a let down to get all riled up and we couldn’t even change anything!
I think I learned a little bit about the Italian culture. But I think the meeting brought up more questions than answers!