a teacher evolving, part 2

I told you I was still mulling...still evolving.  Here's more thoughts after watching "Waiting for 'Superman'"...

One thing that did bug me about the film was that it presented parents in only a positive light.  The crew followed several kids whose mothers, fathers, and grandmothers wanted nothing more than for their child to get a high quality education.  These parents were nothing short of inspiring - many of them working several jobs and making their own personal sacrifices for the benefit of their child.  But what about the parents that don't?

One claim that the film made was that charter schools are often more successful than regular public schools.  Is some of this due to the innovation and forward-thinking happening in those schools?  Yes.  But there is also the other side that isn't as obvious....  The parents of students at charter schools are far more likely to have a strong interest in their child's education.  After all, they had to APPLY to send their child there.  That takes initiative.  Parents who send their children to public schools do not have to apply.  It is not seen as a privilege to be educated at these schools, but a right.  Perhaps the difference between the impoverished child at the charter school and the impoverished child at the regular public school is not only the type of instruction they are receiving, but their support level at home as well.

The flip side of the education mess is that teachers and administrators simply cannot do it all.  Yes, we can respond to a changing world and ensure high quality professional educators for all children.  But no, we cannot control cultural and home life influences.  According to many researchers, the highest indicator of student success in school is parent involvement, which is something the school cannot force.  We can encourage it and offer all the opportunities in the world, but when parents won't return phone calls, show up to special events, or even attend parent-teacher conferences, what message are they sending to their children? 

So yes, let's make sure we have quality professionals working in education.  But let's also hold parents accountable for their part as well.  And if you really want to get radical, what happens when we focus instead on educating parents? 

I'm sure there will be more to come as I continue to stew.  Stay tuned....