There seems to be an increasing discussion at all levels in our state and nation about the need to make changes in our public education system. I would also observe that this is the FIRST time I have seen this type of galvanization around this issue. I would also offer that I have great confidence in our teachers, administrators, and staff in Riverside Unified -- but that is not the issue. The issue is our system -- certainly in this state as well as beyond. There are too many students that are not successful. I am not ready to blame anyone as this is a system issue, not a person issue.
It was interesting Sunday morning to see a very interesting trio of politicians (i.e., Education Secretary Arne Duncan, out-spoken Republican and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, and out-spoken Democrat Rev. Al Sharpton ) gather to discuss public education on Meet the Press. If you wish to watch the portion directly related to this discussion it begins at 19:25 in the approximate 45 minute tape. Part of their description of the issue includes statements like: "results problem in public education" and "huge achievement gap." Their promise of solution seems centered around the one-time funding of Race To The Top.
While I don't necessarily agree with their conclusions, it is an interesting and thought-provoking piece. I do agree that it will take all of us to do the right thing for our children and students in this 21st century. Ultimately, this is about who we (the adults) are as a community, as a state, and as a nation.
I do hope that you enjoy and consider the tape and the discussion beyond the TV program.
Universal access to a quality education is one of the indicators of a prosperous nation. It is also a key factor in economic development and growth. Schools serve more than one purpose. They are the the centers of knowledge, vocational training, social service support, and citizenship. To focus only on results reduces students to a mere number and pits teachers, parents and administrators against each other. Instead, we should remember that the process of learning produces the desired result: citizens who can think, problem-solve, communicate and contribute their specialized skills to the workforce. Test scores are benchmarks of the process, and the data serves to inform educators how to improve the process.
ReplyDeleteA product of both public and private school, I have to say that the private school education was far superior because all stakeholders were expected actively participate in the education of the student. Excuses and blame were not indulged. Common practices and policies allowed teachers to share their expertise with students in a manner that was designed to inspire. I do not recall lesson objectives from those classes, but do recall the works of Thoreau, Fitzgerald, Aristotle, Orwell and Vonnegut. The process that was used taught students to think, innovate and communicate effectively.
Public schools are capable of delivering a high quality education, but it is a community partnership. Teachers, parents, students and administrators must be supportive of each other and activley participate in the process in order for students to achieve their full potential. That is the purpose of education.