Jonathan Kozol is an internationally renowned expert on a very uncomfortable subject- the impact of an imperfectly designed system of educational services and service delivery on the poorest of our communities. I met the Byfield resident in the mid-eighties, when he was working on his award-winning book Rachel and Her Children, and I was running a homeless shelter on the grounds of the former LaSalette Shrine in Ipswich.
I was deeply moved by the depth of his passion for education, and his recognition that a system that fails to educate equitably destroys the future, one child at a time. I have always considered that conversation and his advocacy as touchstones in my own thinking about the role of education.
The enclosed article finds Kozol talking about his response to the impact the federal NCLB statute has had on children since its inception. It is worthwhile reading.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jonathan-kozol/why-i-am-fasting-an-expl_b_63622.html
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3 comments:
Anyone interested in the dreadfully unequal state of the education system in this country should definitely read Kozol's books/articles. He's a tireless, compassionate advocate for children. Just wondering where the link to the article is---thanks for sharing it with your readers.
MB
Thought you might want to share these links with your readers--parents and teachers of differently challenged students should find them very useful:
http://www.ldonline.org/
http://www.schoolsattuned.org/
http://www.schwablearning.org/
http://www.additudemag.com/
If I come across others, I will pass them along.
Be well and thanks--
MB
I realize that as a school committee member--you have done your best--and would continue to do so if reelected--to deal with the circumstances that exist--the school system that's been inherited and the resources that are available.
So I thought you might relish the opportunity to share with the voters of Newburyport (and the kids themselves) what your vision of what the best educational system would be like.
I am certain you have given this lots of thought as an educator, parent,school committee member and citizen.
So Mr. Menin--your assignment, if you choose to accept it--is to write an essay (or better yet, a series of essays) in which you describe your vision of the perfect school--or entire school system, if you want to be really bold.
The idea is that you are starting from scratch and you have whatever resources you need to set things up anyway you think is best.
You should address as many aspects of the educational process as possible, including (in no particular order): (1)programing/curriculum; (2)types of assessments (both as a placement/teaching tool and for evaluating the progress of students); (3) the facilities (both physical plant and resources); (4)teaching models (what teacher training would include and how classrooms would be managed); (5) how schools would be funded; and (6) any other topics you deem important (no issue is taboo).
Feel free to use whatever resources available to create your utopian dream--just imagine it and tell us what you think!
And most important--have fun with it! Or what's the point.
Looking forward to reading your response(s)!
SV
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