Jails > Schools?
by Felicia Pride
Recently a lot of attention has shifted towards America’s failing education system. As if its ailments are new. But beggars can’t be choosers, I suppose. Maybe the right people will take notice?
There’s the enormous press that Michelle Rhee’s resignation has received. Questions swirl in the air about the former D.C. schools’ Chancellor. Where will she land? Does Fenty blame her? Is she regretful? Versus, analyzing the public school system she’s leaving behind.
Waiting for Superman, the celebrated film about America’s failing education system is opening some eyes to the fact that a crisis exists. But for some educators and activists doing the dirty work, the film settles on the surface.
At this point, it doesn’t matter on what side of the complex problem you stand. All that matters is that we all look center: to our kids. Too many of us are looking past, around, and over them.
Then we shake our heads at young people for not “valuing” education, when, in reality, too many in positions of power don’t. Or more specifically, they don’t value education for all children.
Oh the powers that be talk a good game during election seasons or to reporters. But when it comes to what’s required to provide top-notch education to every child, they fail. Why isn’t their funding pulled?
Prime example:
There’s a quiet battle raging in Baltimore, MD. State lawmakers have approved plans to build a $100 million jail for teenage offenders.
The state has been planning this penitentiary for five years. Their defense: Teens who face adult charges are housed in the Baltimore City Detention Center, but there’s no space for them in the crowded adult facility. The city has been scolded by the U.S. Department of Education for not separating the two populations.
Read the Full Essay @ thebacklist
by Felicia Pride
Recently a lot of attention has shifted towards America’s failing education system. As if its ailments are new. But beggars can’t be choosers, I suppose. Maybe the right people will take notice?
There’s the enormous press that Michelle Rhee’s resignation has received. Questions swirl in the air about the former D.C. schools’ Chancellor. Where will she land? Does Fenty blame her? Is she regretful? Versus, analyzing the public school system she’s leaving behind.
Waiting for Superman, the celebrated film about America’s failing education system is opening some eyes to the fact that a crisis exists. But for some educators and activists doing the dirty work, the film settles on the surface.
At this point, it doesn’t matter on what side of the complex problem you stand. All that matters is that we all look center: to our kids. Too many of us are looking past, around, and over them.
Then we shake our heads at young people for not “valuing” education, when, in reality, too many in positions of power don’t. Or more specifically, they don’t value education for all children.
Oh the powers that be talk a good game during election seasons or to reporters. But when it comes to what’s required to provide top-notch education to every child, they fail. Why isn’t their funding pulled?
Prime example:
There’s a quiet battle raging in Baltimore, MD. State lawmakers have approved plans to build a $100 million jail for teenage offenders.
The state has been planning this penitentiary for five years. Their defense: Teens who face adult charges are housed in the Baltimore City Detention Center, but there’s no space for them in the crowded adult facility. The city has been scolded by the U.S. Department of Education for not separating the two populations.
Read the Full Essay @ thebacklist
