Using examples the key to explaining Spitzer scandal to children

Choices and consequences.

Those are the buzz words for educators who find themselves facing a question from a child about what is happening with Gov. Eliot Spitzer - or other controversy-filled news items. Teachers must undertake a delicate balancing act when it comes to their students, particularly the younger ones, asking about current events, such as Spitzer's alleged use of call girls.

Barb Kramer, Hornell City School District elementary schools principal, said children haven't been asking about the Spitzer scandal yet, but her teachers are prepared. She said the focus of conversations would be on choices.

"Everything in the elementary schools is about making good choices versus making bad choices, and the consequences of our actions," Kramer said. "Everything goes back to choices throughout the school day."

Ann Monroe-Baillargeon, Alfred University Division of Education chairperson, didn't speak on the Spitzer situation specifically, but said it's important for teachers acknowledge their students may have questions about instances where there is controversy in a public person's professional life.

"It's important kids understand it's a very complex issue," she said. "It's going to be difficult for elementary and middle school students to understand, although middle schoolers may be developmentally able to understand."

Monroe-Baillargeon said a situation such as the one with Spitzer is a complex one, because it deals with personal choices impacting a professional life.

"How do we make sense of a personal life and decisions versus someone's profession?" she said. "Why does it matter in this gentleman's (Spitzer's) situation that his personal life matters to people.

"It's very educatable," Monroe-Baillargeon added.

In the Spitzer case, the controversy has been caused by a sensitive subject in schools - sex. Monroe-Baillargeon said it's important for teachers not to ignore students' questions, but when matter such as this arise, they need to be careful about crossing any lines.

"The teacher should acknowledge they may have questions, but frame it in a way that's appropriate for as public school setting," she said, "and redirect the other questions of a more personal and private nature back to the home.

"Those are important questions, and certainly children should have those discussions about values and ethics with their families," Monroe-Baillargeon added, "and I would encourage families and children to do so."

That's the path Kramer said the Hornell district follows when dealing with sensitive questions about things like sex.

"We would refer things of that nature back to the parent and probably notify the parents the question was being asked," she said. "If they're asking us these questions, the parent should know they are asking them.

"It's not up to us to give them the information, so we would let the parent know it's been brought up," Kramer added.

Monroe-Baillargeon said it's also important for teachers to realize these types of stories can be valuable teaching tools.

"It's important for students to understand how personal choices can affect their professional roles," she said, "especially as they look ahead to their own future and their possible professions."

The Evening Tribune