This blog concerns information, thoughts, ideas, and discussion related to current topics of interest. The author's premiss: If we keep doing the same things in the same way and expect different results...We are crazy. So, for sanity's sake...let's explore Outside of the Box.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Failing Schools - Chicken or Egg? Theory
The reputation of public schools has taken a beating. Is it the chicken or egg theory? Which came first... media hype? political agendas? failure of schools to educate?
Outstanding question Janice! I just stopped by to look at the development of your page and content. Absolutely Fabulous!!! Your Blog will go far. If I were you I would also post this to you local news paper. They would love to have your blog in their paper. Also, if you’re in good standing with the public school system, ask to have your blog or link posted on their front page. Your Page can be featured under their Parents and Teachers or Community Programs. They can use your conversation as part of their outreach program strategy for community involvement. Janice, I’m just thinking out loud. As for your question, Teacher Janice, Hah! Hah! Hah! I’m not ready to raise my hand yet in class. I really have to think about this question. I’ll come back after recess. Excellent! Rudy……..
This is way off of the point, however, the greatest campaigns were successful primarily due to media hype and preparedness... Hype, may be what we need to make a substantial change.
Social issues are only issues when those that are in power or in leadership positions make them so. It has never actually been based on actual need, but NEED accompanied by THE RIGHT SPOKES PERSON. In other words the poor could complain about poor housing conditions all they want to and not much will be done, but let the Bill Clinton's and Barack Obama's of the world shed some light on the subject and see what happens.
Blogs and Journal articles like the ones you and Rudy have been posting will act as positive reinforcers to getting what we need for our children to their just reward.
Rudy has a point, since you are qualified, see about getting published. The results may not be immediate, however, the powers that be will take notice; especially being that you have no hidden agenda such as a political campaign or advancement in your career. You simply have a dream:) That's were great things begin.
Deedy, I agree with you about media "hype". However, it can go either way... to help a situation, or to hurt it.
My analogy using the chicken or egg question was intended to delve into the deeper issue of how public schools dissipated and became "failing schools." My assumption is that the teachers and curriculum are of the same quality. Budgets are equally or better financed than ever. Yet, our urban public schools nationally are reportedly doing a very poor job of educating our children.
***Note: Have you noticed that when people refer to "public schools," they mean urban public schools? Most people do not lump public suburban schools into this category. By the way, charter schools are also "public" schools. However, both suburban and charter schools are viewed as more exclussive. I've had parents tell me, my children didn't go to public school; they went to _____ (a suburban school). Think about it... public perception... Media hype? Political propaganda?
Could it be that the agendas of right-wing politicians have influenced the media hype? The school desegregation movement of the '60s and '70s started a momentum of white flight from newly desegregated urban schools. Everyone, who could, moved to surburbia where they built nice, new schools. The black middle class followed. This left the urban schools without a naturally balanced student population. Higher and higher percentages of lower income, at-risk for failure children were left behind in urban schools. Many of these schools were at 100 percent indigent populations by the early 1980s. The press picked up on the lower test scores (at that time scores were averaged across the entire student population), but they ignored the nuances of the political and social implications that contributed to the acheivement scores they reported. The fallout resulting from these media reports stirred fear and aggitation in many circles. "Accountability" became the rallying cry and many people including those who chose to stay in the city, no longer wanted to send their children to the "failing" public schools. While school districts scurried to create "magnate" programs to keep the remaining "desirable" families, the political wheel churned out charter schools as an alternative choice The new flight was to newly formed charter schools that have cropped up around the nation. By the way... has anyone questioned how these charter schools are doing? Of course some are doing fine, but many are struggling to do the job. You don't hear about this in the media. Also, since many charter schools don't receive federal dollars for Title I and other services, they didn't have to comply with No Child Left Behind until 2006.
Finally, Deedy, I agree that often, it takes a renowned and powerful person to create the attention and move towards action that gets things done. However, that power is also in the people. Many voices combined can speak just as loudly. In order to do what is necessary to positively impact our public schools, it will take a movement. Movements often are spear-headed by the grass-roots community. Our president elect is doing just that. The Change organization is the voice of the people. I plan to work through that channel as well as write on this topic in various sources.
Thanks Jan, I did not know that charter schools were considered "public schools" nor was I aware that they did not follow the same "No Child Left Behind" policy. My younger friends swear by them. I will inform them of the news.
Once further, the "many voices combined" that you mentioned, would be you and other educators such as yourself. I say this because you are more aware of what's really going on than the average parent or citizen; so... keep edifying your followers.
I thank you for what you are trying to do and if there is anything by way of support that I can do in my community, I will; for what ever that's worth. Thanks again.
The strength of a leader is not only in his or her knowledge or passion, but in the knowledge and passion of their following.
Theda L. "Deedy" Wallace
Lead the way baby!
If you every think about becoming a motivational speaker pertaining to education and visit this area, I will make sure that you have the proper platform (audience). I belong to a church group that is on the cutting edge in many areas. We would love to hear what you have to say.
Our mayor--the first black mayor in this city--is a young, extremely gifted, spiritual, and intelligent man or God; he feed on that type of hype. Think about it and let me know.
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5 comments:
First of all Happy New Year!
Outstanding question Janice! I just stopped by to look at the development of your page and content. Absolutely Fabulous!!! Your Blog will go far. If I were you I would also post this to you local news paper. They would love to have your blog in their paper. Also, if you’re in good standing with the public school system, ask to have your blog or link posted on their front page. Your Page can be featured under their Parents and Teachers or Community Programs. They can use your conversation as part of their outreach program strategy for community involvement. Janice, I’m just thinking out loud.
As for your question, Teacher Janice, Hah! Hah! Hah! I’m not ready to raise my hand yet in class. I really have to think about this question. I’ll come back after recess. Excellent!
Rudy……..
Thanks for the ideas Rudy. I'll explore some of the options you suggested.
This is way off of the point, however, the greatest campaigns were successful primarily due to media hype and preparedness... Hype, may be what we need to make a substantial change.
Social issues are only issues when those that are in power or in leadership positions make them so. It has never actually been based on actual need, but NEED accompanied by THE RIGHT SPOKES PERSON. In other words the poor could complain about poor housing conditions all they want to and not much will be done, but let the Bill Clinton's and Barack Obama's of the world shed some light on the subject and see what happens.
Blogs and Journal articles like the ones you and Rudy have been posting will act as positive reinforcers to getting what we need for our children to their just reward.
Rudy has a point, since you are qualified, see about getting published. The results may not be immediate, however, the powers that be will take notice; especially being that you have no hidden agenda such as a political campaign or advancement in your career. You simply have a dream:) That's were great things begin.
Deedy, I agree with you about media "hype". However, it can go either way... to help a situation, or to hurt it.
My analogy using the chicken or egg question was intended to delve into the deeper issue of how public schools dissipated and became "failing schools." My assumption is that the teachers and curriculum are of the same quality. Budgets are equally or better financed than ever. Yet, our urban public schools nationally are reportedly doing a very poor job of educating our children.
***Note: Have you noticed that when people refer to "public schools," they mean urban public schools? Most people do not lump public suburban schools into this category. By the way, charter schools are also "public" schools. However, both suburban and charter schools are viewed as more exclussive. I've had parents tell me, my children didn't go to public school; they went to _____ (a suburban school). Think about it... public perception... Media hype? Political propaganda?
Could it be that the agendas of right-wing politicians have influenced the media hype? The school desegregation movement of the '60s and '70s started a momentum of white flight from newly desegregated urban schools. Everyone, who could, moved to surburbia where they built nice, new schools. The black middle class followed. This left the urban schools without a naturally balanced student population. Higher and higher percentages of lower income, at-risk for failure children were left behind in urban schools. Many of these schools were at 100 percent indigent populations by the early 1980s. The press picked up on the lower test scores (at that time scores were averaged across the entire student population), but they ignored the nuances of the political and social implications that contributed to the acheivement scores they reported. The fallout resulting from these media reports stirred fear and aggitation in many circles. "Accountability" became the rallying cry and many people including those who chose to stay in the city, no longer wanted to send their children to the "failing" public schools. While school districts scurried to create "magnate" programs to keep the remaining "desirable" families, the political wheel churned out charter schools as an alternative choice The new flight was to newly formed charter schools that have cropped up around the nation.
By the way... has anyone questioned how these charter schools are doing? Of course some are doing fine, but many are struggling to do the job. You don't hear about this in the media. Also, since many charter schools don't receive federal dollars for Title I and other services, they didn't have to comply with No Child Left Behind until 2006.
Finally, Deedy, I agree that often, it takes a renowned and powerful person to create the attention and move towards action that gets things done. However, that power is also in the people. Many voices combined can speak just as loudly. In order to do what is necessary to positively impact our public schools, it will take a movement. Movements often are spear-headed by the grass-roots community. Our president elect is doing just that. The Change organization is the voice of the people. I plan to work through that channel as well as write on this topic in various sources.
Thank you for your input. I value your thinking.
Thanks Jan, I did not know that charter schools were considered "public schools" nor was I aware that they did not follow the same "No Child Left Behind" policy. My younger friends swear by them. I will inform them of the news.
Once further, the "many voices combined" that you mentioned, would be you and other educators such as yourself. I say this because you are more aware of what's really going on than the average parent or citizen; so... keep edifying your followers.
I thank you for what you are trying to do and if there is anything by way of support that I can do in my community, I will; for what ever that's worth. Thanks again.
The strength of a leader is not only in his or her knowledge or passion, but in the knowledge and passion of their following.
Theda L. "Deedy" Wallace
Lead the way baby!
If you every think about becoming a motivational speaker pertaining to education and visit this area, I will make sure that you have the proper platform (audience). I belong to a church group that is on the cutting edge in many areas. We would love to hear what you have to say.
Our mayor--the first black mayor in this city--is a young, extremely gifted, spiritual, and intelligent man or God; he feed on that type of hype. Think about it and let me know.
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