If you have read my writing for even a brief period of time you likely know that I am an unapologetic critic of public education failure. I am not a critic of public schools. I am a critic of public education FAILURE. There’s a difference.
Not long ago, a Twitter follower asked me, “Why are your posts so NEGATIVE?!” I wasn’t thrown by her question. Actually, I am aware of how negative I can sound when it comes to public education. Unfortunately, there is a lot of negativity associated with public education, so when I speak the about truth public education, well, it’s usually negative.
For the record, I love public schools. I loved being a public school teacher. I adored students and enjoyed working with families. I worked among some wonderful educators and administrators who remain public educators today. There are teachers that give 110% to students, families and their schools every day. There are teachers who read bedtime stories to their students and their siblings on Zoom. Some mail cards to student’s homes. Some have created evening “Office hours” to share silly jokes and laugh with second-grade students outside of school hours. I know teachers who deliver supplemental work to virtual students leaving packets and goodies on their porches. There is a lot of greatness in our public schools.
What I am vocal about is the persistent failure being passed off as effective education. Nationwide, three out of four 4th, 8th and 12th graders cannot read proficiently or complete grade level math calculations. Three out of four. That is 75% failure. Students who are not read-ing proficiently by the end of third grade are 75% more likely to drop out of school before graduating than their literate peers. Students who aren’t proficient readers by the end of third grade statistically will never catch up. Yes, this is pretty negative. Unfortunately, these are the numbers no one ever hears about. If parents were aware of how schools are really performing, many would likely seek other options. I believe parents and all stakeholders have a right to know where we are in public education.
The future employability of our youth literally depends on the quality of their education. As it stands, businesses and universities recruit heavily from places like India, Asia and Africa because American students are not prepared to compete academically or professionally in highly technical areas like engineering, medicine, technology and mathrelated jobs or academia.
As a stakeholder in education, what are your thoughts on the statistical reality of education in America? How can you use your voice, time, influence or finances to create education options that give students a fighting chance at getting a sound education and becoming productive citizens as adults? In the future, I plan to be less negative about public education by writing more about education options, learning opportunities, behavior strategies and the things that make education work. In the meantime, if I have to call out public education, I will. Without apology.
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