"Waiting for Superman" is a new documentary out on DVD. It's basically showing some of the flaws of the education system and showing how frustrating it is for parents of limited resources to help their child succeed in school. While there are many points that i agree with (i.e. many tenured teachers need to have that privileged revoked), they seemed to leave out a key aspect of education.
Throughout the documentary it followed a handful of students in inner city schools whose parents are concerned about the future of their education. It shows how frustrated they are and how they turn to charter schools as an option. Of course, because the majority of charter school admissions are based on lotteries, some of these students did not get in. (Sorry to spoil the ending, but you know it's coming) The documentary makers also show that there are many teachers that are trying to do new and innovative teaching practices in the classroom, but are limited oftentimes because of legislation. This is also true. However, one of the big limiting factors of the success of many of my students is the family support or lack thereof. The parents in the documentary are not in the majority of inner city schools, in my experience. I have just one or two parents who are proactive when it comes to their child's education (contrast that to 20-25 parents at my former school). While very few of my students have parents who blatantly refuse to help their child, most of my students have parents who are apathetic to their child's learning and assume that I, as a teacher, should be the main provider of their education and upbringing. Unfortunately, if a child does not have a parent who is encouraging them to go to school, do their homework, ask questions and become a lifelong learner, my ability to inspire them to greatness in the nine months we are together is limited. Not impossible, but limited. I do, however, have some parents who come to me and let me know that they work all day in two or three jobs and don't have time to spend with their child on homework. These parents are still encouraging their child by maintaining a positive attitude about the importance of education. Bottom line, time is key, but attitude also plays a major aspect.
Part II of this rant comes from a post on our school blog wherein my principal informed us that our budget is cut by more than $100,000 next year. The state legislature, in its infinite wisdom, decided that the money we receive to support our English Language Learners and our socioeconomically disadvantaged students is no longer possible. This money translates into losing our math interventionist and three of our aides who help in the classroom. It means that there is a possibility of bigger class sizes (I'm already at 27-28) and less money for extra support of those struggling students. Thank you government for helping us succeed the lofty goal of "No Child Left Behind". I think this will really help in that effort... (On the other hand, the state legislature HAS decided that we need a state gun. A Browning hand gun. Glad our elected officials listen to us.)
On a positive note, thank you all for being wonderful parents who care about your child's learning and for having an attitude that education is a priority. You may never really realize the impact it has on your child's education.
