Have we changed so much?

We've gotten some interesting responses to the new Reality Check study on how minority students and parents rate their schools.  Some of the comments seem to fall into the "there's nothing new here" category, which to my mind makes the findings even more important, not less so.  If there's nothing new here, it suggests to me that we're not making much headway on this issue, and that's not very reassuring.

A second category of comments focuses on the scope of the study and raises the question of whether the disparities we uncovered stem from race or income. This is of course a widely debated and examined research question,  and given the number of social forces that affect all of us, it's not easy research to do.  Research aimed at teasing these factors apart can and will go forward  -- probably for decades. To me, the much more important question is how we are going to help youngsters -- right here and now -- who are in schools that simply aren't providing them with a respectful, civil, purposeful atmosphere to learn in.  In fact, I wonder whether we ought to start investing more research into what really helps schools and students turn around and less into slicing and dicing the socio-economic factors.

And finally, some of the comments seem to question whether anything can be done to improve schools  in troubled neighborhoods  and to help kids from troubled families.  I suppose we're not living in a very hopeful age, but I have always been struck by some public opinion data from a study we did just half a dozen years ago.  In our 1999 Kids These Days study, nearly 9 in 10 Americans said that "given enough attention and the right kind of guidance, almost all teenagers can get back on track." Three-quarters believed that "given enough help and attention, just about all kids can learn and succeed in school."  Have we really changed so much?

Jean Johnson

Comments

[Mrs. Kathleen Roby]

You wrote: "In fact, I wonder whether we ought to start investing more research into what really helps schools and students turn around and less into slicing and dicing the socio-economic factors."
Well, this is what I, too, am working on. We live southeastern Ohio's Appalachian region which has very high rates of poverty. Our local school district improved their academic statistics, yet are still enduring federal and state budget cuts. Such cuts usually affect programs which interest students often deemed as problems. I want to establish an online supportive academy to help teens and adults improve their communication skills, in order to be more successful in seeking higher education, vocational education, or, employment. My husband and I do not have a real income due to our many health issues. However, I am over half-way through a graduate program, for education, and have a 4.0 GPA. I have extensive experience and education, but I have to income with which to bring my intentions to fruition. Also, I am looking into how to establish a scholarship for young fathers, in honor of one of my sons.
I would love to hear from people about ideas on how to reach my goals. Thank you!
~The Angel Power Emporium~

[Sherry]

I would like you to look into a nonprofit organization called challenge day (challengeday.org), because they teach skills peer to peer that help the students redefine themselves and their relationship to each other. I have seen this program in action, and serve in a local "circle of change" for our school district.

Please email them that you are looking for supports, tell them Sherry D. from CVHS sent you, and please keep your dream alive. Your background, intention and research will lead you to ways to bring solutions to your community. Challenge Day travels all over the Nation and has been to other Nations as well. Next week they are being honored to receive a 50,000.00 grant and are keynote speakers at the Million Dollar Round Table, an Association of Financial Service Providers.

[DCS]

"If there's nothing new here, it suggests to me that we're not making much headway on this issue, and that's not very reassuring."

Perhaps some sort of public awareness (media) campaign is in order.

I've worked in dual careers in education and communications for years, so I've had a chance to look at the issues as an educator, a journalist and a parent. Your report is right on the mark.

The fact that many people don't understand the issues articulated by the students and their parents is disturbing. Sometimes I think some of us have our heads in the sand. Hopefully, you will continue to facilitate discussions on this topic.

http://dcsistrunk.blogspot.com
http://mediabysistrunk.blogspot.com