ballads

Tell me Miss Teacher how can I pass,
When knowledge and skills in testing I lack?
How can the standardized tests you give match
the mental development of all kids in class?

Tell me Mr. Teacher why am I here?
My time in this school is a waste of a year.
Why get a diploma? i’ll be a cashier.
I guess I’ll drop-out and just disappear.

Tell me Ms. Teacher, I thought we’re all equal,
But that “gifted” class has all “gifted” people.
I study as hard, just lack the retrieval.
Educational mobility is bad for the ego.

Tell me Mr. Teacher, what’s up with my grades?
Coach said if I failed one more time I can’t play.
Don’t have time to study, I practice all day.
They need me to win in next weekend’s big game.

Tell me Mrs. Teacher, is my daughter established?
I wrote you a check, please respect my assets.
Private school reflects on my husband’s social status.
Who cares if she misses a few of her classes?

Tell us Mr. Teacher why hold our son back now?
His performance affected by cultural background?
His fluency in English causes him to act out,
when other kids act as if his accents a bad sound.

Tell me Mrs. Principal why am I fired?
Proficiency in test scores need to be higher?
YOU changed my curriculum and frankly i’m tired
–of trying to meet the evaluations required.

Tell us Mr. Senator, what’s wrong with our schools?
We pay you your taxes and you make the rules.
Why is it our children are all set to lose.
There’s nothing but violence and crime on the news.

Tell us Mr. President, they’re brewing a storm.
“We need some adjustment” “We need a reform”
We need you to sign on this line on this form.
So education ensures that children conform.