{Waiting for Superman}

I just watched the documentary “Waiting for Superman”, which is about the education system in America. It is such an emotional, disheartening, motivating, depressing, and inspiring film. After watching it I felt helpless to do anything about it, but motivated to try…and furious at our messed up politics. At least some states have charter schools! Alabama doesn’t even that option. Thank God for schools like Cornerstone (and I’m not just saying that because I work there). I applaud people, like Geoffrey Canada, who have the time, energy, influence, and know-how to create schools like he did. I wish there were a million more like him.

I have seen (somewhat) the disadvantage students have in lower-income families/areas, which is why I have such a desire to teach those kids. The film, however, neglected one very important aspect of why so many students are unsuccessful, which is a lack of support from home. The parents/guardians of the children who are accepted into charter schools, private schools, etc., care enough to apply! So many parents don’t even care enough to take their kids to school regularly! How do we reach those kids?? How do we change their future?? They are the ones who really suffer in the long run. They are probably the ones who drop out or end up in jail. Obviously, this is not research based…it’s simply my opinion based on my limited experience. But it does make sense. Teachers are important, don’t me wrong, but they are not the only important factor in determining a child’s success in life. Children have a number of teachers over the years, and they will not all be “teacher of the year” material, but parents have the ability to supplement their child’s learning. There are innumerable studies that have been done to prove children from stable and involved families have a higher rate of success. Just pick a book by James Dobson and you will have all the statistics you need. I realize money, divorce and other aspects play into this, but simply taking interest in a child’s life is monumental.

My point is…how do we reach the unreached? How do we truly serve the ones who NEED it?? I definitely don’t know, but I do know where I would start. I would do away with tenure!!! As a teacher, I would rather have the extra incentive to do my job well. As a future parent (one day), I don’t want my child to have a veteran teacher collecting a paycheck who doesn’t do their job. AND as an American citizen, I want our education system to prepare individuals for the responsibilities of life…and truly value the idea of learning!

I will get off my soapbox now. Thanks for listening. If you disagree with what I’ve said, I’m sorry. If you have anything to add, please comment.