What can be done to best correct the systematic deterioration of our Urban Public Schools?

Question

Are charter schools the only answer? If not, what can local business, or technology, do to contribute to the welfare of these schools while local governments continue to slash their budgets?

Answer 1

Money will never be the answer--three things affect the quality of a child's education: teachers, parents and peers. The problem with Urban Public schools is that they cannot attract and retain quality teachers, parents who care are working themselves to death and parents who don't are drinking themselves to death--either way there is little time left over to monitor their child's education, and peer groups in Urban settings are rarely a positive influence on a child's educational goals. The deterioration of schools is merely the a reflection of the deterioration of these societies.

Solution: Increased integration of lower-income students with middle-income students to reduce the negative effects of peer groups and attract able teachers, as well as economic development and job training that allows inner-city parents to provide for their families with time left over to help in educating them. Not as easy as writing a big check, but it will prove a long-term solution.

Answer 2

Our inner city schools, with the sponsorship of local businesses, have notebook computers for each of the older elementary kids in the classrooms themselves, as well as Leap Pads for the younger students. However, the schools are still failing, even compared to the school my own children attend (where there is a small bank of computers that the entire school uses for computer classes).

The major problem with urban public schools that Oprah pointed out was the attitudes of the parents and students themselves. There is a pervasive mindset that if you work hard and be a good student, then you are somehow an "oreo" (white on the inside), or you think your "better than everyone else". It is this attitude that need to stop.

With nearly every good student, there is a parent behind them that cares about their education.

Answer 3

Nothing. In time, the entire education system will collapse. A little discussed (or known) side effect of 9/11 and the republicans being in power for so long is the tougher laws on students getting in the country. Where the public education system has fallen in the past few decades, higher education will follow in the next few years as MUCH fewer foreign students are allowed into the country to study. Without them, we lack fresh ideas, thoughts, and energy.

Answer 4

We can start by finding ways for parents to become more involved. While our state's Department of Education will not acknowledge this important aspect, it is crucial to get parental support to be successful. We need to find ways to engage parents---involved people by translating to native languages, hold meetings during hours when families can attend, and offer child care for other children during meetings.

Next, we need to take a long, hard look at our expectations. No matter what content needs to be delivered, we need to maintain high expectations for all students. This may require those of us who teach to learn more ways to modify for all learners, but it is well worth it in the end.

We need to offer academic support classes for children whose skills are below grade level. Don't take away from our public schools to create charter schools...fix the schools we have. Teach our kids to appreciate an education and to respect all that we offer. Give them a reason to attend by building relationships with the families.

Lastly, be sure that all schools in a district have access to all programs. Opportunity should not be allowed solely to those with access. Provide all students with opportunity to enrich their lives---music and theater, arts, tutoring, sports programs, etc.

The only way our schools will improve is when the parents fight for us. If we can get them on our side, our jobs will be far easier. They need to know that their involvement truly will make a difference, not just in the lives of their children, but also in the funding we receive.

Answer 5

stop leaving major schooling decisions to big wigs who have no clue about being in a classroom