Students desire acceptance and success. Teachers want their students to succeed. Parents expect their children are prepared for post-high school activities. We need citizens ready to keep our society socially and economically strong. Educators must pass rigorous requirements to teach.
Public schools are well-funded. If public education is needed and wanted by all, why do our schools continue to fail large numbers of students? Obviously, the weak links are those appointed to lead our schools. Most school systems are managed by a top-down hierarchy of decision-makers. Principals are appointed rather than selected through a school-based process. School policies are mandated rather than created through a representative process. There is little deliberative discussion about what’s working and what needs change.
Teachers fear reprisals if they push for progressive change. Teacher unions are more concerned with gaining benefits for members. Are these the reasons for the illogical decision to open schools in the midst of a raging pandemic? Why add another layer of confusion, instability and anxiety for students and school employees?
An environment of fear and uncertainty will further impede student participation and achievement. Logic would have us make some improvements to the distance learning model and work with it for a while longer.
