Separating Fact from Fiction in our schools
Separate Fact from Fiction in our schools
This is a good opinion piece in today's PI. The two authors have a calm tone and good outlook. You should also check out the two sound off letters that accompany it on-line.
This is a good opinion piece in today's PI. The two authors have a calm tone and good outlook. You should also check out the two sound off letters that accompany it on-line.
Comments
We do have schools in trouble. Those of us in the north end must recognize that something must be done to help the schools which are having problems if not failing. But, yes, many (if not most), of our schools are doing well; and, we teachers, parents and administrators are working hard to keep them operating successfully.
Let's continue to be cooperative, collaborative, and compassionate. And let's certainly take the long view in trying to determine the next step.
Since Seattle is now the 24th largest city nationally according to the 2000 census & has grown 9% in population from 1990 to 2000, shouldn't we expect the Seattle schools to retain the percentage of the populace that was educated in public schools 27 years ago, rather than just the numbers?
Seattle has a smaller percentage of the population under 18, than the county, the state or the country.( and it is falling)
If we are such an attractive place, why would that be?
Why do we have so many more private schools ( with wait lists) than even existed 20 years ago.
Where are all these educated residents ( 53% have college degrees) sending their kids?
What measure are you using to determine our schools are successful?
Graduation rate? WASL pass rate?
Not only are we an attractive place; we are an urban place. Duh!
Why more private schools? Because we're a whole lot bigger and harder to move around in. In addition, we're a whole lot richer than we were twenty years ago. These factors have all increased the demand for private schools. In addition, the trend in parenting has turned to very active, the economy has become more competitive and has moved away from people without education, all of which also increases the demand for private schooling. More schools have appeared in response to that increased demand.
Where are all of these people sending their kids to school? Some to public school - particularly when they have access to a high quality program - and some private school. Duh!
How to measure a school's success? What measure would YOU like to use?
Thanks...
regards, saad from
Sri Lanka Institute of Architects