State Board Tone-Deaf To Needs Of The Child
Stamford Charter School for Excellence applicant Charlene Reid listens to public comment in front of the State Board of Education in Hartford, Conn. on Wednesday, April 2, 2014. Photo: Brian A. Pounds | Buy this photo By Wendy Lecker | Originally Published at StamfordAdvocate. April 4, 2014 […]
33,000 New York Children Skip Standardized Tests
By Petr Svab | Originally Published at Epoch Times. April 6, 2014 Photograph; Danny Katch attends a test opt-out rally near his daughter’s school, P.S. 69 in Jackson Heights, Queens, April 1. (Petr Svab/Epoch Times) NEW YORK—Last week was quite different for Lila, 9, compared to most […]
Education Election – Parents Empowered
Photograph; Steve Johnson, an Amundsen High School Local School Council member, recommends that the council craft a letter opposing CPS budget cuts. | DNAInfo/Patty West
Beginning April 7th parents once again will take action. Some will vote and countless of these will be on the ballot. Those who care about and care for children want to be active; they want to decide what goes on in their child’s schools. Perhaps this election invites greater reflection. What was done, can be done and is being done to improve our schools. How can parents help or better yet, be part of the process? Be informed. Learn more about the candidates. [See "Local School Council elections attract 4,384 parents and community members as candidates" Below.] Vote and learn more about your local school elections. The history is rich and knowledge of it enriches.
How did Chicagoans find the political will to reform the way their schools are run? And what lessons, if any can be learned from their story-not just for people working on school issues, but those intent on changing public policy?
~Mary O’Connell [School Reform Chicago Style, Center for Neighborhood Technology]
~Mary O’Connell [School Reform Chicago Style, Center for Neighborhood Technology]
Walk with me through the streets of Chicago and you will see parent involvement that makes a difference and did more so back in the day when we saw School Reform Chicago Style,. How did Chicagoans find the political will to reform the way their schools are run? And what lessons, if any can be learned from their story-not just for people working on school issues, but those intent on changing public policy?
With more school closures than anywhere else in the nation, arguably, the Windy City is the canary in the coalmine for public education privatization. It is also the incubator for citizen activism. We see it in the schools. It is also on display during elections. Remember, 4,384 parents and community members appear on the April 2014 ballot.
In Chicago, local control is more than a issue. It is a reality in education. And people know it. Everyday folks work to have a voice. This year, four thousand three hundred and eighty four [4,384] candidates are empathyeducates – Education Election – Parents Empowered:
