Marie Corfield: More ways to create 100 excellent schools in Newark

Marie Corfield: More ways to create 100 excellent schools in Newark:

More ways to create 100 excellent schools in Newark

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about how to really create 100 excellent schools in Newark as opposed to Superintendent Cami Anderson's One Newark plan which involves closing schools, expanding charters, firing staff and disrupting neighborhoods. I listed 20, and asked readers to submit more. After incorporating your suggestions in an initial update, I realized that if we are going to get to 100, it needs to be organized. So, here's what we've got so far, arranged by categories for your easy viewing.

Many thanks to all who've submitted suggestions both here and at Blue Jersey. Keep 'em coming! I've credited those who were OK with it and respected the anonymity of others. While many educators are in the throes of end-of-year insanity, please keep your suggestions coming after the dust settles.

Banish Inequality

1. Every school should accept and retain every child who walks through its doors—no exceptions. Charter cheerleaders love to say that their schools are public schools. That's a myth. Unless a child does something truly horrendous, a public school can't expel them, but charters can. The attrition rates among Newark's charter schools are unacceptable. Charters must be held to the same standards as public schools. Anything less in a public school system is discriminatory.
2. The attrition rate for African-American boys in charter schools must be addressed.

Collaboration

1. Create a community of support and shared ideas between schools. Start by visiting this very excellent school and see how a caring principal and staff work together with parents and administrators to make a safe, fun, engaging learning environment for all the students.
2. As the great philosopher, Vanilla Ice, once said, "Stop, collaborate and listen.” But seriously, do that; it's pretty solid advice.
3. From Jeff Grossman: Create an environment of collaboration. For example, assign mentor teachers to work with novices. Create teacher cohorts that are given ample common planning time. Ensure that all teachers take part in a peer evaluation system and have an opportunity to observe, and learn from other teachers that are teaching the same grade and/or subject as they are.
4. Professional development must extend beyond the 4 walls Marie Corfield: More ways to create 100 excellent schools in Newark: