CHAPTER 11: MATTHEW (in progress)

"I wouldn't have turned away from the rain,
but somebody showed me a rainbow."

I had just left my science classroom and Expedition Institute Program to work as a Professional Development Consultant for Montebello Unified Schools to further train the district's K-12 science teachers.

In my absence, biology teacher Linn Fairchild, was slated to carry on Expedition Institute, my science field studies program at Schurr High School. Science expeditions to Morro Bay and Yosemite National Park were scheduled for his first year at the helm. He had agreed to continue the science expedition program if I completed his field training and accompanied him on both trips.

That's when Matthew came into my office and into my life.  

He'd been moved around alot school wise not yet finding a good fit between traditional schooling and his rather remarkable brain. Remember Chucky and Einstein in school?

I was on my way out of the office to pick up liquid nitrogen for a teacher training workshop series scheduled for the following three days. Matthew was able to accompany me. It was a cold California day so I told Matt that once we had the liquid nitrogen securely in the car, we'd have to keep the windows open on the return trip because liquid nitrogen evaporates so quickly that nitrogen gas would fill the passenger compartment and we'd... lose consciousness. (A nitrogen version of carbon monoxide poisoning.)

Over the years I learned that beginning in the 6th grade, Matthew exhibited a pattern of truancy, an early sign that his neurology was exceeding what his schools had to offer.  Chucky was in open rebellion, Matthew disappeared and popped up at a new school, a different experiment.

{{{What schools had you attended previously? Why were they inadequate?

How did you fare with after Mr. Fairchild, at Schurr and...?

And after you left Cal State?

What are your thoughts about how schools can better serve all students.

This is your chapter... 

I invite you to contribute more, if you'd like.}}}

"You tricked me." Matthew told me last week. (please elaborate)

Somehow, we enrolled Matt at Schurr High School where he had access to both the Morro Bay and the Yosemite Expeditions. His writing was so extraordinary, we used one of his expedition journal entries for the Preface of our Expedition Field Guides for the next 20 years.

Here is Chapter 11 from his point of view.