Can't I just be done now??

As the semester comes barreling down in a massive wave of hysteria and the debris of papers and presentations swirl around my feet, I'm reminded that time does not stop. It will keep going and things will get done. I'm not quite sure yet how they will all get done, but I figure if I just stay positive, clarity will come my way!
That got me thinking about why I'm doing all this work in the first place, which then got me thinking of information to bring to my group in terms of our project on arts in schools advocacy. I feel like all you need is to see kids doing art to have it hit home of how amazing it is. Students dancing, playing instruments, or acting out a scene... They become whole new people! I've been reading The Death and Life of the Great American School System (which I do recommend checking out), and it really always baffles me where we are now as a country in terms of what we hold  important when educating our kids. Tests, accountability, reform, tests, test, reading & math, tests, reading & math... What ever happened to exploring, creativity, beauty, science and real learning? So yes, although I would love to blow off all these papers and presentations and curl up in a ball to watch Christmas movies, I'll try to keep in mind my goal.. Give kids dance and the power to create, show them art, make their world that much more interesting, give them a safe haven to remember that life is not all about scores on tests. It's all worth it in the end if I could just make a tiny difference in our sometimes crazy messed up school system.

Here is a little taste of the book:

"When we define what matters in education only by what we can measure, we are in serious trouble. When that happens, we tend to forget that schools are responsible for shaping character, developing sound minds in healthy bodies, and forming citizens for our democracy, not just for teaching basic skills. We even forget to reflect on what we mean when we speak of a good education. Surely we have more in mind than just bare literacy and numeracy. And when we use the results of tests, with all their limitations, as routine means to fire educators, hand out bonuses, and close schools, then we distort the purpose of schooling altogether."  -Diane Ravitch