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June 15, 2006
Pomp & Circumstances
In the last few days, several posters have challenged me to tell them what's wrong with California's schools. I am happy for the challenge and will get to that post soon.
First off though, let's come up with what's right in California's schools:
1. Incredible, innovative teachers who come to work every day, work with passion, creativity and devotion to the kids who cross their threshold every day. I've met many and know many well.
2. Parents who dedicate their time, energy and resources to help the schools. Whether it's fundraising, helping in classrooms or cleaning the schools, many loving and dedicated parents go the extra mile.
3. Kids are amazing - they come to school, many too young, and many act like sponges lapping up every ounce they can learn. Kids come to school with hope, opportunity and promise.
4. Non-profit support organizations that dedicate time, money and innovative programs.
5. Voters - who time and again, vote to support education. Whether it's state funding, or local bonds, voters again and again speak with their wallets when it comes to education.
6. Special Ed and Intervention aides, who do the right thing every day, in many difficult circumstances, for little or no pay, and less recognition.
What do you think is right about California Schools? Post it here...
Comments
For the most part I think our public schools have done a commendable job at making schools a safe environment for our children. There has been a focus on eliminating bullying, sexual harassment, and other inappropriate behaviors that inhibit the learning process. Our public schools have gotten a lot tougher at cracking down on drugs and weapons being allowed into schools as well. In some of the more challenging areas there has been beefed up security and sometimes even a police presence to crack down on violence and crime that can be prevelant in some communities.
This is an area where I think we've made good progress over the past 20 years.
Posted by: Bubba Kidd at June 16, 2006 02:41 PMCathy, I left more questions on the charter school thread. Thanks for answering my past questions.
Posted by: Question for Cathy at June 18, 2006 01:39 PM
Schools in California do many things right. Every day over 300,000 teachers work hard to meet the needs of a wide degree of challenges. Public schools, for instance, teach every child who enters their doors. There are many children who enter schools with special needs, come from family and neighborhood difficulties, as well as from many other limiting restrictions that diminish success. Some school districts do better than others; however, generally it can be said that teachers are dedicated to the good of each child. Teachers spend many hours of their time off grading papers, planning lessons, coaching school sports, sponsoring clubs, meeting with parents, and providing after school tutoring. Teaching is a stressful job because of little time to fulfill all the requirements of the job in classes that are often too large, without necessary books and supplies, as well as essential professional development and support. All of the academic studies are accomplished for the most part, in a climate of organization and quiet decorum.
Most students graduate with the ability to read, write, compare, analyze, discuss, and think about critical issues of our time. I would like to say this all happens at a high level of academic discipline; however, we continue to improve levels of achievement in all schools throughout the state. Currently, education is increasing the level of academic achievement of many students working within the CA standards framework as set forth by the state. As students are held accountable for these grade level academic standards, California will see improved academic achievement and success among more students throughout the state.
Posted by: Diane Lenning, Ed.M. at June 16, 2006 02:07 AM