01-05-2010, 05:45 PM
I don't currently have access to the video so I don't know what Stossel is saying. I see a lot of misunderstanding in some of the comments though.
Remember, each state is responsible for how it's public education system is run. Like Maull said, some states allow open enrollment within districts so, theoretically, parents do have a choice regarding where their kids will attend. I can tell you though, choosing where your kid goes to school is not always a simple choice. I just had a kid enroll into my class at one of the worst failing schools in the state from one of the highest achieving schools in the state.
When you look at failing schools or districts, there isn't a silver bullet. You have to take into account too many factors.
Anyway, if Arne Duncan has his way, there will be lot's of changes coming.
Right now, my school will be the first high school in LAUSD to be reconstituted a la the Chicago model. That means everybody, from the assistant principals down to the janitors, will be given notice and will have to reapply for their jobs for next year and beyond. The idea is that if we boot everybody, we can then fill all the positions with highly qualified employees that will then work to turn this school around. There are a lot of people cheering this decision. For those of us who've worked our asses off trying to make this school function, in an environment where we can barely keep 80% of the teaching positions filled, it's a kick in the balls no matter how you slice it. In my 8 years here, I've already seen 4 principals, countless APs, and teacher turnover rate approaching 50% yearly.
I'd only one to see one thing happen. I'd love to see teachers and staff from all those highly successful schools flock to my ghetto school and prove to me that I suck at what I do. I really really want to see that happen, for the sake of all the kids at this school who deserve the best education they can get, and, so I can feel like all this actually makes sense.
I wish it were as simple as privatization, or cherry picking students, or hiring better people. It's not though.
Remember, each state is responsible for how it's public education system is run. Like Maull said, some states allow open enrollment within districts so, theoretically, parents do have a choice regarding where their kids will attend. I can tell you though, choosing where your kid goes to school is not always a simple choice. I just had a kid enroll into my class at one of the worst failing schools in the state from one of the highest achieving schools in the state.
When you look at failing schools or districts, there isn't a silver bullet. You have to take into account too many factors.
Anyway, if Arne Duncan has his way, there will be lot's of changes coming.
Right now, my school will be the first high school in LAUSD to be reconstituted a la the Chicago model. That means everybody, from the assistant principals down to the janitors, will be given notice and will have to reapply for their jobs for next year and beyond. The idea is that if we boot everybody, we can then fill all the positions with highly qualified employees that will then work to turn this school around. There are a lot of people cheering this decision. For those of us who've worked our asses off trying to make this school function, in an environment where we can barely keep 80% of the teaching positions filled, it's a kick in the balls no matter how you slice it. In my 8 years here, I've already seen 4 principals, countless APs, and teacher turnover rate approaching 50% yearly.
I'd only one to see one thing happen. I'd love to see teachers and staff from all those highly successful schools flock to my ghetto school and prove to me that I suck at what I do. I really really want to see that happen, for the sake of all the kids at this school who deserve the best education they can get, and, so I can feel like all this actually makes sense.
I wish it were as simple as privatization, or cherry picking students, or hiring better people. It's not though.
Moristans: err
What the f*** Skelas - I know this is NSFW, but I coudn't watch this at work...
-Orsun
What the f*** Skelas - I know this is NSFW, but I coudn't watch this at work...
-Orsun