Here we go again with everyone thinking that they have all the answers to our school system's underperformance; however, how many of these individuals whose letters have appeared in the paper have taught in our schools? In order to fix a problem, one has to diagnose the problem just like a doctor. When the patient tells the doctor where their aches and pains are, today's physicians most likely will send the person for blood work, at might schedule an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan. Today, one's physician doesn't say "go home, take two aspirin, and call me in the morning."
For the first time in about a decade or more, the dropout rate has decreased, which is a beginning, and as we all know change takes time. Dr. Mary Louise Francis is the only superintendent who has welcomed community leaders, professional organizations and business leaders to be part of the Superintendent's Roundtable. All who are interested in the schools are welcome to join the roundtable.
It is not Dr. Francis' fault about the result of MCAS, and if my memory serves me correctly, she mentioned that 2011 results for Hayden-McFadden had made an improvement. It is not the fault of the teachers who are preparing their students daily; however, it is very difficult to teach to that empty desk and chair. The desk and chair are receiving passing grades, too bad the student is failing because of not coming to school. Let's face it, some of our students just don't care! Parents need to instill in their child the importance of receiving their education and getting at least a high school diploma.
Here is my suggestion to everyone who truly wants to make an impact on turning around our school system: All the individual writers of negative letters, members of the UIA, Education Roundtable, members of The Standard-Times, and business leaders should step up to the plate and go and substitute in your discipline for one full week, a regular schedule at the high school or one of the middle schools. See first-hand the many challenges and successes the classroom teachers experience.
This is now your class. Take the attendance and see how many students are absent or cut class, make up the daily class work, give the homework assignment, go over it the next day and see how many of our students don't do homework, prepare and give a test on what you have taught so far, correct and give back the test on the last day of your stay. Oh, and by the way, make sure you do the corridor duty during passing period, check the restrooms, and definitely help or go into the cafe during lunch. Are you up for the challenge?
A few years ago, when Portia Bonner was superintendent, during the public comment section of the School Committee meeting I made this proposal; however, needless to say, not one person took me up on the invitation. I wonder why!
Just about every day in the paper, I am reading about different crime incidents such as murder, stabbing, fighting, robberies, etc. Remember, all these individuals committing these crimes were once in classrooms. Try teaching and then write your letter with your solutions.
Carol Strupczewski lives in New Bedford and is a retired New Bedford school teacher.
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