Things that, because of a respectable, middle class education and upbringing, I am WILLING and ABLE to do to fill the gaps in my children’s public education:
~pay for piano lessons
~enroll them in fun, educational summer workshops at the local college and cultural center
~take them to plays, musicals, art exhibits, and museums
~support their sports teams and camps
~volunteer to provide a book club at their school
~serve on the FSO to provide “extras” that have otherwise been cut from the budget
~take regular trips to the library/bookstore and read with them every day
~communicate with their teachers on a regular basis
~supplement weekly Pearson textbook stories with hands-on activities
Things that parents of poor students are generally WILLING and ABLE to do to fill the gaps in their children’s public education:
THIS is why I fight.
THIS is why we must get public education right.
*This blog is dedicated to my students-especially the ones who find it in themselves to overcome their circumstances.
Related links:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nancy-letts/its-time-to-change-the-conversation-about-public-education_b_3112801.html
http://dianeravitch.net/2013/04/24/david-berliner-on-a-nation-at-risk-three-decades-of-lies/
Thank you for this. The grab of our schools for private cash is horrible. Here in Orlando charters are just temporary cash machines then they file bankruptcy. Not paying the teachers. Then Deregulation worshipers act surprised that the people who want cash are OK stealing it. $500,000 for a ‘principal’ who also hired her husband. The same people all in favor of cops don’t want any even watch on these charters who are housing- our children. Warehousing them actually. Privatization steals, Deregulation lets them.
Thank you for your comments. I have hope that the dangers of many charters are starting to be exposed. Please follow Diane Ravitch’s blog for up to date information on Charters and public education as well.
I’m glad to see this blog. I hope this is of help to you as an informative tool/resource: http://www.scribd.com/doc/106337306/THE-CHICAGO-PUBLIC-SCHOOLS-ALLERGIC-TO-ACTIVISM
Thank you. I am following Chicago closely!