Anatomy lessons
Today’s New York Times health section has an article about the teaching of anatomy in U.S. high schools. The article features Oak Ridge resident and Anderson County Commissioner Harry “Whitey” Hitchcock, who teaches science at Clinton High School. I knew that Whitey’s biology students often get to study animal bones and assemble wildlife skeletons as part of their anatomy and physiology lessons, but I learned from the article “Teenagers, Scalpels, and Real Cadavers” that some of his classes also include dissection of real human cadavers.
Experience with human dissection probably doesn’t help much on AP biology exams, but it seems to me that Whitey’s students are receiving an exceptional educational experience — the type of positive experience that can set the pattern for a lifetime of achievement. And it’s not every day that a Tennessee public high school teacher gets featured in a major publication (way to go, Whitey and Clinton High School!).
Ironically, while the article identifies Clinton High School, it incorrectly names the school’s location as “Oak Ridge, Tenn.” Thus, Oak Ridge gets a little “extra credit” for something positive that is actually happening down the road in Clinton, while Anderson County Schools missed out on some deserved recognition for allowing their students to have this exceptional learning opportunity.
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Thank you for this information. It is good to recognize the people who live in Oak Ridge.
Comment by Ray Kircher — January 23, 2008 @ 10:47 am
I am a previous student of Dr.Hitchcock and am now attending college to become an intensive care nurse.Without his help I would not be as successful as I am today. Dr. H is an incredible teacher who truly cares about the well being of his students and their success in life. I owe my education to him.
Comment by Natalie Coward — January 30, 2008 @ 1:38 pm