By Tina Grazier
Is there anyone who hasn’t lamented the sorry state of school systems in the United States? Is there anyone who hasn’t noticed or pointed to the advantage that many home-schooled children seem to have? I know I’ve engaged in endless discussions about whether or not a poor home life or the lack of parental participation matters in a child’s scholastic successes or failure. I’ve lamented the lack of disciplinary control that teachers have and I’ve derided the PC structures that seem to trump all other methods and considerations. You can imagine my delight when I discovered these discussions could end and American schools could once again become institutions of excellence in education. The question is…will America’s children and parents demand what works and win or will the failing standards applied now be successfully defended and celebrated by the NEA with all of the usual accompanying excuses?
Recent findings about charter schools in Harlem show conclusively that the old model for educating students, a model that uses discipline and stresses the importance of attitude, a model that relies on a no excuses policy regarding attendance, homework and behavior has made a huge difference to children in Harlem. As David Brooks recently discovered and reported in his New York Times article, “The Harlem Miracle” the education gap that has separated white and black students was completely wiped out using a more conservative, traditional model:
** Basically, the no excuses schools pay meticulous attention to behavior and attitudes. They teach students how to look at the person who is talking, how to shake hands. These schools are academically rigorous and college-focused. Promise Academy students who are performing below grade level spent twice as much time in school as other students in New York City. Students who are performing at grade level spend 50 percent more time in school. *** They also smash the normal bureaucratic strictures that bind leaders in regular schools. *** Assessments are rigorous. Standardized tests are woven into the fabric of school life. *** The approach works. Ever since welfare reform, we have had success with intrusive government programs that combine paternalistic leadership, sufficient funding and a ferocious commitment to traditional, middle-class values. **
The fact that these schools have worked with such amazing success for all students, despite a less that supportive homelife, validates my belief that children are ready and eager to learn and will if given a safe and secure atmosphere and a structured program. Children respond when expectations are high and performance is demanded. When I was a kid school was the only sane place for many students. It was a place where a child could escape a less than perfect situation to find opportunity and acceptance unavailable to him at home. It was a place where a teacher or teachers were sometimes also mentors and the experience of what life could be about was made real.
When it comes to education do conservative Republicans represent the “party of no”? You bet we do when “no” represents the rejection of failed educational systems. Conservative Republicans would proudly say yes to programs that produce results. But don’t just take our word for it.
A model for better education is available. Now…are there any educators, or Democrats, who would be willing to embrace it?