At the end of this year my city, Chicago is closing a total of 49 Elementary Schools which is the largest in the city’s history. The largest source of revenue for the district, 40% comes from local sources (mostly local property taxes). The state provides 31% of funding via the general state aid (GSA), based on a complicated formula set by the state legislature and finally the Federal government provides 24% of the funding through the Title 1 program and paying for the free & reduced lunch program. Illinois ranks second lowest in the nation for the level of funding that the state provides for education. As a teacher, it is abominable how low education is on the list of funding priorities.
The appointed school board voted 6-0 to close the schools. As a parent, I had no voice at the table because the school board was appointed by the mayor, not voted on by the community. At parent meetings, we were told that my step son’s school was “underutilized” because the test scores were great. Other schools were told they were “underperforming.” The majority of the schools that are closing are on the South Side and West Side which are mainly African American and Latino communities. A war is being waged on teachers based on decontextualized test scores. According to the ASCD, “Employing standardized achievement tests to ascertain educational quality is like measuring temperature with a tablespoon.” I work at one of the best schools in the city, which is not being threatened by closure but honestly our students come in as excellent test takers and while we are helping them to learn is it really fair to compare our students to another school whose students are reading two or three grade levels behind?
In a recent study from the University of Chicago, it was found that the academic effects of sending children to other schools was mostly nothing. This is a direct contradiction to the rhetoric that the decision to close the schools is better for the children. And while we’re talking about the children, stability and security is essential to a child’s welfare and self-esteem. Imagine the trauma for students who already have stability and security issues at home. If our communities had a higher socio-economic make-up, we’d see counselors and resources spent to help our children, our families and the receiving schools make the transition in the form of counseling, safety and morale-building. Chicago has promised a five-year moratorium on school closings, but what is being done to prevent the receiving schools from becoming “underperforming,” due to overcrowding and other issues. The moratorium will be in place long enough to close another 50 schools in 5 years.
CPS will also be shifting to a new funding model called student based budgeting rather than an assumed class size of 30 for all classes. For the first time charter schools will be receiving an equal amount to public schools. With all the school closings, it is unknown exactly how many charter schools are opening next year. Chicago is in need of real reform, and the center of that reform should be what is in the best interest of the students. Everyone wants to talk to the lawyers & the accountants about school reform, but no one wants to talk to the parents and the teachers about our children’s education.
What do you think needs to be done to improve schools?
I believe the plan is to destabilize public education and eventually make quality education strictly for those who can afford it.
We as black people have to begin valuing education more then entertainment.
By the same token, the truth needs to be put out there that not all public schools are bad. This argument that public schools are failing our children is not completely true. The schools can be great, while the bureaucracy becomes the real nightmare.
There is already a two-tiered education system that will eventually turn into a one-tiered system. Education is a right, but we will soon be going back to a time when education is a privilege. Parents have a lot of power if they are willing to activate it.
I have a colleague who agrees with your point wholeheartedly. She is convinced that schools will teach to those that want and have the desire to learn…those who show no interest will be able to stay at home or will simply be left behind. Interesting that you voice those similar thoughts.
The only way to change this is to have your voice heard. If that means running for office, run. You clearly have a grasp on the issue and well-sourced evidence to back up your claims. Passionate people motivate!
I can’t imagine massive school closures like this in my town, but my town is small and well funded.
Best of luck and you’re and awesome writer. I plan to check out your blog!
@Emokidsloveme I am so inspired by your comment. I’m a big advocate of “be the change you wish to see in the world.” My hope is that I can continue to educate people to become advocates for their children. Please check out the blog. There is something over there for everyone!
Across the nation the education system is struggling. Parents play a major part in the school system as well as the community in which it sits. I don’t believe that the schools are failing our students. As a community we must take responsibility and be held accountable for our contribution or lack of. The Kansas City School District has a similar struggle. Kansas City recently became an unaccredited school district. It was not always so. I am a proud product of the Kansas City District. As a community and a family we must stress the importance of education. There are plenty of good teachers and educators in the system, but too often they are not recognized. . I commend you Donnie for your continued passion and voice on the frontline. I pray others will step up to the plate to be the difference needed.
@Rachelle Law – You hit the nail on the head when you said that parents have to become more involved with the school system. Parents have the power to shift policy and to demand the type of education & resources we want for our kids. I too am a product of the Kansas City School District and owe my computer literacy & typing skills to them. Its so sad that they have lost their accreditation. Keep fighting the good fight!
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